Deputation Allowance to the employees of devolved institution
In a recent directive, the Accountant General of Punjab has addressed the issue of deputation allowances for employees of devolved institutions. The topic has garnered considerable attention due to the various applications and inquiries received concerning the eligibility of such allowances for employees of departments that have transitioned to provincial jurisdiction. This office order, dated March 22, 2013, aims to clarify the position regarding these allowances, following consultations with the Finance Department of the Government of Punjab.
Background and Context
The decentralization of certain federal government departments to provincial authorities under the 18th Amendment Act of 2010 was a significant policy shift. This move intended to enhance administrative efficiency and bring governance closer to the people. However, this transition also raised several questions regarding the benefits and allowances previously enjoyed by the employees of these now devolved departments.
One such benefit in question is the deputation allowance. This allowance is typically granted to employees who are temporarily transferred to other departments or institutions within the government. The criteria and policies governing this allowance have been established to ensure fairness and consistency across the board. However, the unique situation of employees moving from federal to provincial control required a thorough review and clarification.
Clarification from the Finance Department
In response to the numerous applications received, the matter was referred to the Finance Department of the Government of Punjab. The inquiry, detailed in a correspondence dated May 30, 2012, sought explicit guidance on whether the employees of federal departments devolved to provincial governments were entitled to the deputation allowance.
The Finance Department responded on August 15, 2012, with a clear and definitive statement:
“That the employees of Federal Government transferred to Punjab Government under 18th amendment Act, 2010 are not entitled for deputation allowance as the same do not fall within the ambit of deputation policy, 1998.”
This clarification is pivotal as it underscores the specific boundaries of the deputation policy established in 1998. The policy does not extend to scenarios involving the 18th Amendment Act, hence making the employees of devolved institutions ineligible for deputation allowances under this framework.
Implications and Compliance
Following this clarification, the Accountant General Punjab has issued instructions for strict adherence to the stated policy. All District Accounts Officers in Punjab and the Treasury Officer in Lahore are advised to implement this directive in letter and spirit. This decision aligns with the overarching goal of maintaining uniformity and adherence to established financial policies within the provincial administration.
Moreover, all Assistant Accountant Generals and Accounts Officers of Pay Rolls and CDGL in the main office are also directed to comply with this clarification. The emphasis on adherence ensures that all relevant financial transactions and employee benefits are processed in accordance with the clarified guidelines, thereby avoiding any discrepancies or misunderstandings.
Moving Forward
The clarification provided by the Finance Department and the subsequent directive from the Accountant General Punjab serve as a critical reminder of the importance of adhering to established policies. This not only ensures fairness and transparency but also helps in maintaining a consistent approach to employee benefits across various levels of government.
Employees of devolved institutions, while not eligible for deputation allowances, continue to be integral to the functioning of the provincial administration. Their roles and contributions remain valued, and their compensation and benefits are aligned with the policies applicable to provincial employees. This alignment is crucial for fostering a cohesive and efficient administrative structure.
Conclusion
The decision regarding the non-admissibility of deputation allowance to employees of devolved institutions under the 18th Amendment Act, 2010, marks a significant step in clarifying and standardizing employee benefits within the Punjab provincial government. The directive issued by the Accountant General Punjab, backed by the Finance Department’s clarification, ensures that all financial policies are applied consistently, thereby promoting transparency and fairness.
As the provincial administration continues to evolve and adapt to new challenges, such directives play a vital role in guiding the implementation of policies. By adhering to these guidelines, the administration can ensure that all employees are treated equitably, and that the transition of departments from federal to provincial control proceeds smoothly.
In essence, the clarification on deputation allowances is a testament to the provincial government’s commitment to upholding established policies while addressing the unique circumstances arising from the 18th Amendment Act. This commitment is fundamental to ensuring a fair, transparent, and efficient administrative system that serves the best interests of both the employees and the public at large.
