Guidelines for Waiver of Recovery of Excess Payment to Government Employees
Introduction:
In a recent Office Memorandum dated 01 April 2024, the Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure, Government of India, outlined detailed instructions regarding the waiver of recovery of overpayments made to government employees. These guidelines, under Rule 15 of the Delegation of Financial Power Rules (DFPRs), 2024, provide a structured approach for ministries and departments to handle cases of overpayment and subsequent recovery waivers.
Key Highlights:
Timely Detection and Recovery Orders:
Recovery orders for overpayments should be issued within one month from the date of detection.
Financial Limits and Concurrence:
A department may waive recovery of overpayments up to Rs. 2,00,000/- for each individual, subject to the concurrence of the Financial Adviser.
Guidelines for Processing Cases:
Ministries/Departments must examine proposals as per the provisions of Rule 15 of DFPRs.
Waivers should not be granted in cases involving serious negligence or disciplinary actions.
Any loss due to defects in rules or procedures should be reported for appropriate amendments.
Adherence to DoP&T Guidelines:
Ministries/Departments must strictly adhere to guidelines issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoP&T) while considering waivers.
Review and Justification:
Cases of incorrect interpretation of rules or procedures should be reviewed, and appropriate measures should be taken to prevent future lapses.
Referral of High-Value Cases:
Cases involving waivers of more than Rs. 2,00,000/- should be referred to the Department of Expenditure with detailed documentation.
Conclusion:
The guidelines provided in the Office Memorandum aim to streamline the process of handling overpayments and waivers, ensuring transparency, accountability, and adherence to established rules and procedures. By following these instructions meticulously, ministries and departments can effectively manage instances of overpayment while safeguarding the interests of government employees and the public exchequer.
