MHA gives financial powers to joint secretaries to expedite projects, facilitate decisions

New Delhi: In an effort to expedite projects, the home ministry has given financial powers to the joint secretaries who can now spend up to Rs 50 crore for executing works and purchasing land, an official said. [caption id=“attachment_3732447” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File image of Rajiv Gauba. Twitter@Secretary_MoUD[/caption] Joint secretaries have also been allowed to make procurement through open or limited tender of up to Rs 20 crore and procurement through negotiated or single tender or proprietary contract of up to Rs 5 crore. This is for the first time that such financial powers have been given to joint secretaries to bring greater flexibility in operations, reduce delays and facilitate quick decision on matters involving financial expenditure, a home ministry official said. The decision has been taken by Union home secretary Rajiv Gauba, who assumed charge on 31 August. The joint secretaries can give expenditure sanction under infrastructure, civil, electrical works under approved schemes and projects up to Rs 50 crore. They can also approve purchase of land through state governments, municipal bodies and urban authorities up to Rs 50 crore. The joint secretaries can also give authorisation, expenditure sanction up to Rs 20 crore for purchase of operational vehicles of central armed police forces, Delhi Police and other security related organisations. These financial powers were earlier exercised at the level of Union home secretary, special secretary and additional secretary. There are around 20 joint secretaries in the home ministry handling different divisions, and the financial powers have been given to them for the first time. The joint secretaries have also been empowered to sign agreements or contracts for technical collaboration and consultancy services up to Rs 2 crore, expenditure sanction of up to Rs 50 lakh for running of office and associated activities and contingency expenditure of up to Rs 20 lakh. Besides the officers have been given full financial powers for hiring of accommodation, fund release under approved schemes, payment of spectrum charges under approved activities, all types of time barred claims of LTC, medical, transfer allowance, travelling allowance. All approvals for going abroad for personal reasons, leave of any kind, tours and training of any kind in case of Group C and Group B employees will be approved at the level of joint secretary. In respect of Group A officers, cases relating to transactions under conduct rules, leave of any kind, training and tour etc. (excluding foreign tours and foreign trainings) of officers up to director level will be decided by the joint secretary.