Delegation of Administrative Powers in Ag Punjab dt 04.03.2020
In a bid to enhance efficiency and ensure clarity in administrative functions, the Accountant General Punjab has issued new directives regarding the delegation of administrative and financial powers. This strategic move aims to streamline operations and align practices with the guidelines set forth by the Auditor General of Pakistan. Below is an outline of the updated delegation structure effective from March 4, 2020.
Overview of Delegation Changes
The revised delegation of powers addresses various administrative and financial responsibilities, categorized by the nature of work and the required approval levels. The changes are intended to reduce administrative bottlenecks and ensure that decisions are made by appropriately designated officials. The delegation is structured according to different levels of staff, ranging from BPS-16 and above to lower grades.
1. Pension and Retirement Cases
Approval Authority:
- BPS-16 & Above: Pension cases, Benevolent Fund cases, and retirement notifications are to be approved by the Accountant General Punjab (AG Punjab).
- BPS-1 to BPS-15: For staff within this grade, approval must be obtained from the Director General (DAOs) or an authorized representative.
Remarks:
- In cases where the Director General (DAOs) is unavailable, the Additional Accountant General (Admn) will assume responsibility.
2. Leave and Encashment
Sanction of Leave:
- Up to 120 Days: Leave sanction for up to 120 days, including casual leave and medical leave, is under the purview of the Accountant General Punjab for all grades.
- Beyond 120 Days and Ex-Pakistan Leave: Sanctioning leave beyond 120 days or for Ex-Pakistan leave requires approval from the Accountant General Punjab, or the Director General (DAOs) in the absence of AG Punjab.
G.P.F. Advances:
- BPS-18 & Above: Advances from the General Provident Fund (G.P.F.) must be approved by the Accountant General Punjab.
- BPS-1 to BPS-17: Approval for G.P.F. advances in these grades is handled by the Director General (DAOs) or Additional Accountant General (Admn).
Remarks:
- For G.P.F. related cases, if the Director General (DAOs) is unavailable, the Additional Accountant General (Admn) will process the approval.
3. Out-of-Turn Advances and Tour Programmes
Out-of-Turn Advances:
- BPS-16 & Above: The sanction of out-of-turn advances is managed by the Accountant General Punjab.
- BPS-1 to BPS-15: Approvals for these advances fall under the jurisdiction of the Director General (DAOs) or the Additional Accountant General (Admn).
Tour Programmes:
- BPS-18 & Above: The Accountant General Punjab is responsible for sanctioning tour programmes.
- BPS-1 to BPS-17: For staff in these grades, approvals are managed by the Director General (DAOs) or the Additional Accountant General (Admn).
Remarks:
- In the event of the Director General (DAOs) being unavailable, the Additional Accountant General (Admn) will oversee the approvals.
4. Comments on Cases
Sanctioning Authority:
- For All Categories: Comments on cases, including approvals for leave beyond 120 days and Ex-Pakistan leave, should be submitted to the Accountant General Punjab. The Additional Accountant General (Admn) or the Director General (DAOs) may also review these cases if required.
Remarks:
- The new guidelines stipulate that the Accountant General Punjab will remain the primary authority for the approval and review of significant cases, ensuring uniformity and adherence to established policies.
Implementation and Compliance
The Accountant General Punjab’s directive emphasizes strict adherence to the new delegation structure to avoid administrative delays and ensure that decisions are made by the designated authorities. This approach aims to:
- Enhance Operational Efficiency: By clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of various officials, the delegation of powers is expected to streamline administrative processes and reduce the potential for errors or delays.
- Ensure Accountability: The updated framework ensures that all decisions are made by authorized personnel, thereby increasing accountability and transparency in administrative functions.
- Address Administrative Bottlenecks: By avoiding unilateral changes and maintaining a record of work distribution, the new guidelines aim to prevent administrative conflicts and improve overall financial discipline within the district accounts offices.
Conclusion
The updated delegation of administrative powers by the Accountant General Punjab is a strategic step towards rationalizing administrative processes and ensuring effective management of financial and administrative tasks. By adhering to these new directives, the office aims to enhance operational efficiency, accountability, and transparency in all related functions. All concerned personnel are advised to familiarize themselves with these changes and implement them diligently to uphold the integrity and efficiency of the office’s operations.
The revised delegation structure is expected to bring about significant improvements in the management of pension cases, leave encashments, G.P.F. advances, and other administrative tasks, thereby contributing to a more streamlined and effective operational environment.
