New guidelines for govt. employees to receive awards from private entities | Fusion - WeRIndia

In a bid to enhance transparency and adherence to ethical practices, the Centre has recently issued fresh guidelines governing government employees receiving awards from private organizations.

The Personnel Ministry underscored the necessity of obtaining prior approval from competent authorities before accepting such honours.

The move comes in response to a noted lack of compliance with existing instructions on this matter.

According to the Personnel Ministry’s directive, approval for accepting awards must be sought only in exceptional circumstances.

The competent authority for government servants would be the secretary of the concerned ministry or department.

Meanwhile, secretaries to the Government of India and officers of secretary rank would require approval from the cabinet secretary.

The ministry emphasized that the awards should not include any monetary components in the form of cash or facilities.

Rule 14 of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, stipulates that government servants cannot receive complimentary or valedictory addresses without prior government sanction.

The Personnel Ministry had previously discouraged the acceptance of awards from private bodies in a 1999 order, highlighting that government recognition channels were more appropriate.

Despite earlier directives, the ministry observed a lack of adherence to the guidelines, prompting the issuance of the latest order.

It reiterated the importance of ensuring that awards from private entities align with the government’s standards. It also emphasized the unimpeachability of the private bodies’ credentials.

The guidelines explicitly state that government servants should not accept awards of monetary benefits from private trusts or foundations. The focus remains on maintaining the integrity of the recognition bestowed upon government employees by private organizations.

As the government seeks strict adherence to these fresh guidelines, it signals a renewed commitment to upholding ethical standards. Thus, it wishes to ensure that awards from private organizations align with the principles of merit and service.

This move is poised to foster a culture of accountability and transparency among government employees when receiving accolades from private entities.

Photo by freestocks on Unsplash (Free for commercial use)

Image Reference: https://unsplash.com/photos/gift-boxes-PxM8aeJbzvk