Payment of Honorarium through HR payroll instead of cheque –AG 28.05.2021

Payment of Honorarium through HR payroll instead of cheque –AG 28.05.2021

In a move aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in financial transactions, the Office of the Accountant General Punjab has mandated a shift from traditional cheque disbursement to utilizing the HR payroll system for honorarium payments. This directive, effective as of May 28, 2021, aims to streamline processes and ensure timeliness in the disbursement of honorarium across all District Accounts Offices (DAOs) in Punjab.

Enhancing Transparency and Efficiency: The decision to transition honorarium payments to the HR payroll system underscores the commitment to transparency and accountability. By centralizing payments through SAP’s HR module, the process becomes more streamlined, reducing administrative burdens associated with manual cheque issuance.

Ensuring Timely Payment Processing: Under this new directive, all DDOs (Drawing and Disbursing Officers) are required to submit their honorarium claims before the 10th of each month. This proactive measure ensures that payments are processed efficiently through the payroll system, minimizing delays and ensuring that recipients receive their dues promptly.

Benefits of HR Payroll System Integration:

1. Accuracy and Compliance: Payments made through the HR payroll system adhere strictly to predefined rules and regulations, ensuring compliance with government guidelines and audit standards.
2. Efficiency Gains: Automation of honorarium payments reduces the turnaround time from claim submission to disbursal, optimizing operational efficiency within DAOs.
3. Audit Trail and Accountability: The use of SAP’s HR module provides a robust audit trail, facilitating transparency and accountability in financial transactions.

Implementation Strategy: The implementation of this directive involves close coordination between the Office of the Accountant General Punjab and all DAOs. Training sessions and workshops may be conducted to familiarize DDOs with the new payroll system and ensure seamless integration.

Impact on Stakeholders:

1. DDOs and Beneficiaries: DDOs play a crucial role in ensuring timely submission of honorarium claims, thereby facilitating smooth processing and payment through the HR payroll system. Beneficiaries benefit from prompt and predictable payments directly into their accounts.
2. Administrative Efficiency: DAOs benefit from reduced administrative workload associated with manual cheque preparation and distribution, allowing staff to focus on core financial management functions.

Conclusion: The shift towards using the HR payroll system for honorarium payments represents a progressive step towards modernizing financial management practices within the Punjab government. By leveraging technology and enforcing systematic processes, the initiative aims to enhance transparency, ensure compliance, and optimize efficiency in financial operations across DAOs.

This initiative underscores the commitment of the Office of the Accountant General Punjab to uphold best practices in financial management, setting a precedent for improved governance and service delivery.

For further inquiries or to discuss how this transition impacts specific DAO operations, stakeholders are encouraged to liaise with the respective District Accounts Offices or contact the Office of the Accountant General Punjab directly.