Discontinuation Special Allowance to District Attorneys posted in Anti-Corruption Office 12.03.2015
The Finance Department has recently observed that District Attorneys, Deputy District Attorneys, and Assistant District Attorneys assigned to the Anti-Corruption Establishment are receiving a Special Allowance amounting to 40% of their basic pay. This allowance, specific to their roles within the Anti-Corruption Establishment, is being drawn in addition to the Special Allowance that these positions are entitled to from the date of their posting to ex-cadre posts, as per the Department’s letter dated 30.11.2010.
Background and Rationale
The issuance of this dual allowance has raised concerns within the Finance Department, prompting a review of the current compensation structure. The crux of the issue lies in the simultaneous drawing of two Special Allowances, which is deemed inappropriate and financially imprudent. The following steps outline the measures being taken to rectify this situation:
Detailed Review and Findings
Upon their posting to the Anti-Corruption Establishment, District Attorneys and their deputies have been receiving an additional Special Allowance of 40% of their basic pay. This allowance is specific to the Anti-Corruption Establishment and is intended to compensate for the specialized nature of their duties within this entity. However, it has come to light that these attorneys are also receiving the standard Special Allowance that is typically provided to them in their primary roles, leading to a redundancy in compensation.
The Finance Department’s letter dated 30.11.2010 initially authorized the payment of this Special Allowance to District Attorneys upon their appointment to ex-cadre posts. This was intended to ensure that they were adequately compensated for the increased responsibilities and specialized tasks they were undertaking. However, the simultaneous drawing of the Special Allowance specific to the Anti-Corruption Establishment has created an overlap that needs to be addressed.
Discontinuation of Dual Allowances
In light of the above findings, the Finance Department has decided to discontinue the Special Allowance of 40% of the basic pay that is specific to the Anti-Corruption Establishment for all District Attorneys, Deputy District Attorneys, and Assistant District Attorneys posted in this office. This decision ensures that these legal professionals do not receive overlapping allowances from both their primary roles and their posts within the Anti-Corruption Establishment.
The key points of this directive are as follows:
- Cease Additional Allowance: The Special Allowance specific to the Anti-Corruption Establishment, amounting to 40% of the basic pay, will be discontinued for all attorneys posted in this office.
- Retain Primary Allowance: District Attorneys, Deputy District Attorneys, and Assistant District Attorneys will continue to receive the standard Special Allowance as per their primary roles, ensuring they are still adequately compensated without redundancy.
- Compliance and Reporting: A compliance report must be submitted to the Finance Department to confirm the implementation of this directive. This report will ensure that all affected personnel are aware of the changes and that the directive has been followed.
Implications and Future Considerations
The discontinuation of the overlapping Special Allowances is a step towards ensuring financial prudence and eliminating unnecessary expenditures within the government’s payroll system. It also aims to maintain equity and fairness in the compensation structure for government employees. The Finance Department’s decision reflects a commitment to streamlining allowances and ensuring that public funds are utilized efficiently.
- Financial Prudence: By discontinuing the redundant Special Allowance, the Finance Department is taking a significant step towards reducing unnecessary financial burden. This move is expected to result in substantial savings, which can be redirected towards other essential services and development projects.
- Equity and Fairness: Ensuring that District Attorneys do not receive overlapping allowances promotes fairness within the public sector. It aligns with the broader objective of maintaining an equitable compensation system that rewards employees appropriately without redundancy.
- Administrative Efficiency: The directive simplifies the payroll process, reducing administrative complexities associated with managing dual allowances. This will lead to more efficient payroll management and reduce the risk of errors and discrepancies.
Compliance and Next Steps
The implementation of this directive requires immediate action from all relevant departments and personnel. The following steps outline the necessary actions to ensure smooth compliance:
- Notification: All District Attorneys, Deputy District Attorneys, and Assistant District Attorneys posted in the Anti-Corruption Establishment should be notified of the discontinuation of the Special Allowance specific to this office.
- Payroll Adjustment: The payroll system should be updated to reflect the discontinuation of the 40% Special Allowance for affected personnel. This adjustment should be made promptly to avoid any discrepancies in future salary disbursements.
- Compliance Report: A detailed compliance report should be submitted to the Finance Department, confirming that the directive has been implemented and that the overlapping allowances have been discontinued. This report should include the names of all affected personnel and the date of the allowance discontinuation.
Conclusion
The decision to discontinue the Special Allowance for District Attorneys posted in the Anti-Corruption Establishment is a prudent and necessary step towards ensuring financial efficiency and equity within the public sector. By addressing the issue of overlapping allowances, the Finance Department is reinforcing its commitment to maintaining a fair and transparent compensation system.
All relevant departments and personnel are urged to comply with this directive and ensure its prompt implementation. The submission of a compliance report will help in verifying the effective execution of this decision, thereby contributing to a more efficient and equitable payroll system.
For any further details or clarifications, please refer to the Finance Department’s communication dated 30.11.2010, and subsequent directives issued in this regard. The compliance report should be submitted as soon as possible to confirm adherence to this directive.
