DoPT 2020 - Submission of Immovable Property Return (IPR) for the year 2019 (as on 31.12.2019) by the Officers of CSSS & CSCS

DoPT 2020 - Submission of Immovable Property Return (IPR) for the year 2019 (as on 31.12.2019) by the Officers of CSSS & CSCS

Latest DoPT Orders 2020

No.25/4/2020-CS.II(A)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel and Training

3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhavan,
Khan Market, New Delhi-110 003.
Date: 10.01.2020

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Submission of Immovable Property Return (IPR) for the year 2019 (as on 31.12.2019) by the Officers of Central Secretariat Stenographers’ Services (CSSS) & Central Secretariat Clerical Service (CSCS) - regarding.

In terms of Rule 18 of CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964 and instructions issued by this Department vide OM No,11013/7/2014-Estt,A- III dated 05.01.2016, the Immovable Property Return (IPR) is required to be furnished by all the Government Servants belonging to Group-A, B and C. Accordingly, IPR should be submitted by all the CSCS/ CSSS Officials/ Officers latest by 31.01.2020. CSSS Officers in the grade of Principal Private Secretary (PPS) and above should submit their IPR through Web Based Cadre Management System hosted at cscms.nic.in, A copy of the print out of IPR submitted online should also be signed and submitted to CS.II(A) Section, which is the custodian of Immovable Property Return (IPR) of these Officers. Stenographer Grade-13, Personal Assistants and Private Secretaries of CSSS & Junior Secretariat Assistants and Senior Secretariat Assistants of CSCS will also submit their IPR to their respective Admin./ Vigilance Division.

2. Ministries/ Departments are therefore, requested that the contents of this O.M. may be widely circulated to the notice of all CSCS/ CSSS Officials/ Officers working under their respective control. They should also ensure that the IPR for the year 2019 (as on 31.12.2019) is submitted within the stipulated time by all the CSCS/ CSSS Officials/ Officers. All the officials/officers are informed that non-submission of IPR within the stipulated date, would invite the denial of Vigilance Clearance for Empanelment, Deputation., assignment to training programme (except mandatory training), applying to sensitive posts etc. as the IPR status needs to be checked for the said purpose(s).

3. It is, therefore, requested that all the CSCS/ CSSS Officers may be directed to file their Immovable Property Return (IPR) for the year 2019 (as on 31.12.2.019) well in time, latest by 31.01.2020. IPRs received beyond the stipulated date, shall not be regarded as conforming to the extant guidelines. Filing of IPR has already been started from 01.01.2020 and the “Immovable Property Returns” window has been operative at cscms.nic.in.

4. In case of any doubt/ difficulty about filing the IPR, Shri Sumit Kumar and Shri Batram Yadav, Assistant Section Officer of CS.II Division may be contacted at Telephone No, 2462 0118.

(Dinesh)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India
E-mail dinesh.d13@gov.in
Phone: 2465 4020

Latest DoPT Order 2019 - Submission of Immovable Property Return IPR for the year 2019 by the Officers of Central Secretariat Services

Submission of Immovable Property Return (IPR) for the year 2019 (as on 31.12.2019) by the Officers of Central Secretariat Services (CSS)

Latest DoPT Orders 2019

F. No. 26/01/2018-CS.I (PR/CMS)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions,
Department of Personnel & Training

2nd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan,
Khan Market, New Delhi
Dated December 20th , 2019.

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Submission of Immovable Property Return (IPR) for the year 2019 (as on 31.12.2019) by the Officers of Central Secretariat Services (CSS) reg.

In terms of Rule 18 of CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964, the Immovable Property Return is required to be furnished by the CSS Officers in the grade of Under Secretary and above, latest by 31 .01.2020. IPR should be submitted by all the CSS Officers through Web Based Cadre Management System which is hosted at cscms.nic.in. A copy of the print out (IPR submitted online) duly signed, should also be submitted to CS.I (PR/CMS) Section, which is the custodian of Immovable Property Return (IPR) of these Officers. Assistant Section Officers and Section Officers of CSS will also submit the print out (IPR) duly signed, to their respective Admin/ Vigilance Division.

Ministries/ Departments are therefore, requested that the contents of this O.M. may be widely circulated to the notice of all CSS Officers/Officials working under their respective control. They should also ensure that the IPR for the year 2019 (as on 31.12.2019) is submitted within the stipulated time by all the CSS Officers. The officers are also informed that non-submission of IPR within the stipulated date, would invite the denial of vigilance clearance for empanelment, deputation and applying to sensitive posts and assignment to training programme (except mandatory training) as the IPR status needs to be checked for the said purpose(s).

Also check: Submission of Immovable Property Return (IPR) for the year 2018
It is, therefore, requested that all the CSS Officers may be directed to file their Immovable Property Return (IPR) for the year 2019 (as on 31.12.2019) well in time, latest by 31.01.2020, through Web Based Cadre Management System only. IPRs received beyond the stipulated date, shall not be regarded as conforming to the extant guidelines. It is also stated that the date of filing of IPR will start from 01st January, 2020 and the "Immovable Property Returns" window shall be opened/provided at cscms.nic.in. automatically from that date only.

In case of any doubt/ difficulty about filing the IPR, Shri Vijay Pal, Section Officer (PR/CMS)/ Shri Krishnandan Kumar, Assistant Section Officer (PR/CMS) may be contacted at Telephone No. 24629414.

(Sanjay Kumar Das Gupta)
Under Secretary to the Government of India

Source: DoPT

DoPT - Immovable Property Return (IPR) filing for the year 2019 - Instructions to IAS officers

DoPT - Immovable Property Return (IPR) filing for the year 2019 - Instructions to IAS officers

Latest DoPT Orders 2019

 GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL& TRAINING
MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL,PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
NORTH BLOCK
NEWDELHI-110001

D.O. No. 6(1)/2014-EO (PR)

21st November, 2019

Dear Secretary,
Rule 16(2) of AIS (Conduct) Rules, 1968 provides that every member of the Service shall submit an annual return in such form as may be prescribed by the Government in this regard, giving full particulars regarding the immovable property inherited by him or owned or acquired by him or held by him on lease or mortgage, either in his own name or in the name of any member of his family or in the name of any other person. In terms of the instructions vide OM No.8/9/60-AIS(III) dated 16.02.1960 and OM No.11017/74/93-AIS(III) dated 04.01.1994 issued under this Rule, every member of the service is required to submit annual immovable property return by 31st January of the next year. Failure on the part of the members of the Service to comply with the requirements of the aforesaid provisions constitutes good and sufficient reason for institution of disciplinary proceedings,among other things vide this Department's OM No.104/33/200S-AVD-Idated 29.10.2007and 07.09.2011, against them.

Also check: Submission of Immovable Property Return (IPR) for the year 2018

2. In order to further facilitate the filing of IPR's, this Department has vide DO No.6(1)/2014-EO(PR) dated 22.12.2016 introduced online filing of IPR in respect of IAS officers w.eJ. 1st January, 2017 through the Module designed for the purpose. Through this Module, the officers can submit the IPR either electronically or upload scanned copy of the manually filled in IPR. This online Module closes automatically after the prescribed timeline of 31st January, 2020 in respect of the calendar year 2019.

3. I would, therefore, request you to kindly issue necessary instructions to all IAS officers working in your Ministry/ Department and its various organizations,to ensure that they submit their IPRs online in the IPR Module for the year ending on 31st December,2019, as per the prescribed timeline.

With regards,

Yours Sincerely
(Dr. C. Chandramouli)

D.O. No. 6(1)/2014-EO (PR)

21st November, 2019

Dear Sir / Madam,
Rule 16(2) of AIS (Conduct) Rules,1968 provides that every member of the Service shall submit an annual return in such form as may be prescribed by the Government in this regard, giving full particulars regarding the immovable property inherited by him or owned or acquired by him or held by him on lease or mortgage, either in his own name or in the name of any member of his family or in the name of any other person. In terms of the instructions vide OM No.8/9/60-AIS(III) dated 16.02.1960 and OM No.11017/74/93-AIS(III) dated 04.01.1994 issued under this Rule, every member of the service is required to submit annual immovable property return by 31st January of the next year. Failure on the part of the members of the Service to comply with the requirements of the aforesaid provisions constitutes good and sufficient reason for institution of disciplinary proceedings,among other things vide this Department's OM NO.104/33/2005-AVD-I dated 29.10.2007 and 07.09.2011, against them.

2. In order to further facilitate the filing of IPR's,this Department has vide DO No.6(1)/2014-EO (PR) dated 22.12.2016 introduced online filing of IPR in respect of lAS officers w.e.f. 1st January, 2017 through the Module designed for the purpose. Through this Module,the officers can submit the IPR either electronically or upload scanned copy of the manually filled in IPR. This online Module closes automatically after the prescribed timeline of 31st January, 2020 in respect of the calendar year 2019.

3. I would, therefore, request you to kindly issue necessary instructions to all IAS officers working in your Ministry / Department and its various organizations,to ensure that they submit their IPRS online in the IPR Module for the year ending on 31st December as per the prescribed timeline.

With regards,

Yours Sincerely,
(Dr.C.Chandramouli)

Source: DoPT

DoPT: Submission of Immovable Property Return (IPR) for the year 2018 (as on 31.12.2018) by the Officers of Central Secretariat Services (CSS)

DoPT: Submission of Immovable Property Return (IPR) for the year 2018 (as on 31.12.2018) by the Officers of Central Secretariat Services (CSS)

F.No.26/01/2018-CS.I (PR/CMS)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions,
Department of Personnel & Training

2nd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan
Khan Market, New Delhi
Dated December 31st 2018

Office Memorandum

Subject:- Submission of Immovable Property Return (IPR) for the year 2018 (as on 31.12.2018) by the Officers of Central Secretariat Services (CSS) reg.

In terms of Rule 18 of CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964, the Immovable Property Return is required to be furnished by the CSS Officers in the grade of Under Secretary and above, latest by 31.01.2019. IPR should be submitted by all the CSS Officers through Web Based Cadre Management System which is hosted at cscms.nic.in . A copy of the print out (IPR submitted online) duly signed, should also be submitted to CS.I (PR/CMS) Section, which is the custodian of Immovable Property Return (IPR) of these Officers. Assistant Section Officers and Section Officers of CSS will also submit the print out (IPR) duly signed, to their respective Admin/Vigilance Division .

2. Ministries/Departments are therefore, requested that the contents of this O.M. may be widely circulated to the notice of all CSS Officers/Officials working under their respective control. They should also ensure that the IPR for the year 2018 (as on 31.12.2018) is submitted within the stipulated time by all the CSS Officers. The officers are also informed that non-submission of IPR within the stipulated date, would invite the denial of vigilance clearance for empanelment, deputation and applying to sensitive posts and assignment to training programme (except mandatory training) as the IPR status needs to be checked for the said purpose(s).

3. It is, therefore, requested that all the CSS Officers may be directed to file their Immovable Property Return (IPR) for the year 2018 (as on 31.12.2018) well in time, latest by 31.01.2019, through Web Based Cadre Management System only. IPRs received beyond the stipulated date, shall not be regarded as conforming to the extant guidelines. It is also stated that the date of filing of IPR will start from 01st January, 2019 and the “Immovable Property Returns” window shall be opened/provided at cscms.nic.in. automatically from that date only.

4. In case of any doubt/difficulty about filing the IPR, Shri Krishnandan Kumar, Assistant Section Officer (PR/CMS)/Shri Anuj Pratap Singh (CSCMS Engineer), may be contacted at Telephone No. 24629890/24629414.

sd/-
(Chandra Shekhar)
Under Secretary to the Government of India

Source: https://dopt.gov.in

Submission of Immovable Property Return (IPR) as on 31.12.2017 by the Officers of CSSS

Submission of Immovable Property Return (IPR) as on 31.12.2017 by the Officers of CSSS

F. No. 26/2/2016-CS.II (A)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions,

Department of Personnel & Training

CS.II (A)

3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan,

Khan Market, New Delhi

Dated January 3, 2018.

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Submission of Immovable Property Return (IPR) for the year 2017 (as on 31.12.2017) by the Officers of Central Secretariat Stenographer Services (CSSS) reg.

In terms of Rule 18 of CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964, the Immovable Property Return is required to be furnished by the CSSS Officers in the grade of PPS ,Sr.PPS and PSO, latest by 31.01.2018. IPR should be submitted by all the CSSS Officers through Web Based Cadre Management System which is hosted at cscms.nic.in. A copy of the print out (IPR submitted online) duly signed, should also be submitted to CS.II (A) Section, which is the custodian of IPR of these Officers. Steno Grade D, PA and PS of CSSS will also submit the print out (IPR) duly signed, to their respective Admin/Vigilance Division.

2. Ministries/Departments are therefore, requested that the contents of this O.M. may be widely circulated to the notice of all CSSS Officers/Officials working under their respective control. They should also ensure that the IPR for the year 2017 (as on 31.12.2017) is submitted within the stipulated time by all the CSSS Officers. The officers are also informed that non-submission of IPR within the stipulated date, would invite the denial of vigilance clearance for empanelment, deputation and applying to sensitive posts and assignment to training programme (except mandatory training) as the IPR status needs to be checked for the said purpose(s).

3. It is, therefore, requested that all the CSSS Officers may be directed to file their Immovable Property Return (IPR) for the year 2017 (as on 31.12.2017) well in time, latest by 31.01.2018, through Web Based Cadre Management System only. IPRs received beyond the stipulated date, shall not be regarded as conforming to the extant guidelines.

4. In case of any difficulty in filing the IPR, the TCS Engine (Sh.Anuj Kumar) may be contracted at Telephone nos. 24629890 or 24629414 of this Division.

(Chirabrata Sarkar)

Under Secretary to the Government India

Source: DoPT Orders 2018

Updation of web-based data of PA Grade of CSSS in CSCMS

No. 5/4/2016 CS.II(C)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel and Training

3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan,
Khan Market, New Delhi -110 003
Dated: 22nd Dec., 2016

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Updation of web-based data of PA Grade of CSSS in CSCMS-reg.

The undersigned is directed to say that the information in respect of Personal Assistants of CSSS who are posted in all the Ministries/Departments is essentially required to be updated for several purposes ego filling of Immovable Property Return (IPR), updation of web-based data of PAs and filling up of unfilled vacancies etc. It will also serve other purposes- record maintenance, preparation of CSL etc.

2. All Ministries/Departments are, therefore, requested to furnish the requisite information of PA Grade as oh 31.12.2016 in the proforma attached by 15.01.2017 positively to enable this Department to update the records of PA Grade.
Encls:- As above

(Umesh Kumar Bhatia)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India

Get the Annexure here

Submission of Immovable Property Return for the year 2016 (as on 31.12.2016) by the Officers of the Central Secretariat Services

F. No. 26/02/2015-CS.1 (PR/CMS)

Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
CS-I (PR/CMS) Section

2nd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan,
Khan Market, New Delhi,
Dated Deeember 13, 2016

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Submission of Immovable Property Return for the year 2016 (as on 31.12.2016) by the Officers of the Central Secretariat Services - regarding

In terms of Rule 18 of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964, the Immovable Property Return (IPR) for the year 2016 (as on 31.12.2016) is required to be furnished by the CSS Officers latest by 31.01.2017. Non-submission of the IPR within the stipulated time period/date leads to the denial of vigilance clearance to the CSS officers for empanelment, deputation, cadre clearance etc.

2. It is observed that some Officers either do not file their on-line IPR in time or file the same after the stipulated time period/date, when they apply for deputation etc., This leads to administrative difficulties while processing their case(s), as filing of IPR within the stipulated time/period is mandatory.

3. It is, therefore, requested that the CSS officers may be directed to file their Immovable Property Return (IPR) for the year 2016 (as on 31.12.2016) in time by 31.01.2017 through the Web Based Cadre Management System only. IPRs received beyond the stipulated date or vide off-line mode shall not be regarded as conforming to the extant guidelines.

(Raju Saraswat)
Under Secretary to the Government of India
Tele: 24629412

To
The Deputy Secretaries/ Director of all Ministries/Departments
(through DoPT website)

Source: Persmin.nic.in

Declaration of Assets and Liabilities by public servants under amended Section 44 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act 2013

Declaration of Assets and Liabilities by public servants under amended Section 44 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act 2013

F. No. 21/2/2014-CS.I (U)
Government cf India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
CS-l (PR/CMS) Section

2nd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan,
Khan Market, New Delhi,
Dated December 08, 2016

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub: Declaration of Assets and Liabilities by public servants under amended Section 44 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act 2013 - regarding.

The undersigned is directed to forward herewith this Department’s OM dated 01.122016 regarding the furnishing of information relating to the assets and liabilities by public servants under Section 44 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act. 2013 (the Act).

2.Contents of the said OM may please be brought to the notice of all concerned.
Encl: As above.

(Raju Saraswat)
Under Secretary to the Government Of India

Read full DoPT OM

Immovable Property Return the year 2015 (as on 31.12.2015) – Dopt Instructions

Immovable Property Return the year 2015 (as on 31.12.2015) – Dopt Instructions

No. 26/2/2015-CS.I (PR)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions,
Department of Personnel & Training

2nd Floor, Lok Navak Bhawan,
Khan Market, New Delhi,
Dated 27th January. 2016

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Immovable Property Return the year 2015 (as on 31.12.2015)

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Departments Office Memorandums of even number dated 21.12.2015 and 18.01.2016 on the subject cited above (available at persmin.nic.in -> DOPT -> Central Secretairat -> CSS -> Property Return).

2. A large number of CSS Officers have not yet submitted the Immovable  Properly Return for the year 2015 on 31.12.2015). As already informed,  IPR should be submitted by all CSS officers through the Web Based Cadre Management System which is hosted at cscms.nic.in. However, as large number of officers are accessing the system, it has become slow making it difficult to submit the return online. As the system is web based, officers may try filing IPR beyond office hours when the system is less congested. If it is still not possible to file the return online for any reason, they should file the return in paper format to their offices by the stipulated date i.e. 31.01.2016. They may subsequently file the same through cscms.nic.in.

sd/-
(V.Srinivasaragavan)
Under Secretary to the Government of India

Authority: www.persmin.gov.in
Click to view the order

The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013- Submission of declaration of assets and liabilities by CSS officers for each year – regarding

The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013- Submission of declaration of assets and liabilities by CSS officers for each year: DoPT Order

No.21/2/2014-CS.I(PR/CMS)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions

Department of Personnel and Training

CS.I Division

2nd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan,

Khan Market, New Delhi-110003

Dated the 9th April, 2015

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013- Submission of declaration of assets and liabilities by CSS officers for each year – regarding.

Ministries/Departments may refer to CS.I Division, DoP&T’s O.M. of even number dated 7.1.2015 on the subject mentioned above.

2. As Ministries/Departments are aware that all Government servants are now required to file information and returns regarding movable and immovable property under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. In this regard, all Government Servants have been advised that:

(i) The first return under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 (as on 01.08.2014) should be filed on or before 30.04.2015; and

(ii) The next annual return under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, for the year ending 31.03.2015, should be filed on or before 31.07.2015.

3. For filing annual return under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, new forms have been developed in the Web Based Cadre Management System which is hosted at cscms.nic.in Returns under Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act should be submitted by all CSS officers through Web Based Cadre Management System. Print out of the returns submitted online in respect of Under Secretary and above level officers of CSS should also be submitted to CS.I Division as it being the custodian of returns of these officers. The procedure for filing return is as under:

(i) Login to the system at cscms.nic.in by using the userid and password. In case of any difficulty in login please contact the nodal officer of the Ministry/Department for assistance. The generic Userid is eight digit date of birth followed by first four letters of name. Userid is also the employee code assigned to individual officers in the web based system. If the password is blocked, nodal officers can reset the password of individual employees by using the ‘reset password’ facility in the Tools Menu on the top of the screen. They can also provide ‘Employee Code’ from the system to individual officers to enable them to login to the system.

(ii) Verify whether personal details are reflected in the system correctly. To verify the details click on the ‘Employee Details’ button. If the details are not correct, first have them rectified through Admin. Division of concerned Department before proceeding further.

(iii) Click ‘IPR’ button on the top and then click on ‘Lokpal Returns’ icon.

(iv) Click ‘create new PR’ button and select property return year then click on create PR.

(v) Read declaration page carefully and click on ‘next’ button.

(vi) Form-I: Add one by one details of Public Servant, his/her spouse and dependent children and save details every time. After adding of details click on ‘next’ button.

(vii) Form-II: Add Movable Properties Owned By Self/ Spouse/ Dependent one by one by clicking ADD Button and save then click on ‘next’ button.

(viii) Form-Ill: Statement of Immovable Property: Add->Select ->IPR year-> Add new property details one by one by clicking ADD Button -> click on ‘next’ button.

(ix) Form-IV: Add Statement of Debts and Other Liabilities one by one by clicking ADD button then click on ‘FINISH’ button.

(x) Click ‘finish’ button. Property Return Details page automatically opens. Users may select the year by click on the particular year and then click on ‘Final submission of IPR’ button.

4. Ministries/Departments are requested that the contents of this O.M. may be widely circulated to the notice of all CSS officers working under their control. They should also ensure that the information and returns regarding movable and immovable property under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act is submitted by all officers within the stipulated period cited above without fail.

5. In case of any difficulty, nodal officers may contact CMC officials who have developed Web Based Cadre Management System at Telephone No. 24629890.

(Utakaarsh R Tiwaari)

Director

Download Persmin OM No.21/2/2014-CS.I(PR/CMS) dated 09.04.2015

Government servants reluctant to declare assets, DoPT backs them

Government servants reluctant to declare assets, DoPT backs them: The Indian Express News
The NDA government’s move to amend the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 in the coming winter session of Parliament has run into rough weather following differences between various government departments over whether government servants and their family members should declare their assets, and whether such information should be made public or not. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) is learnt to have sided with the bureaucracy in challenging the contentious provision.

Under the law, public servants are required to declare their immovable property as well as movable assets like vehicles, cash in hand/bank, gold and other jewellery, investments in shares, bonds and mutual funds etc. They must also submit this information about their family members to the government.

Sources told The Sunday Express that differences on the issue came to the fore during a recent meeting held to finalise the proposed amendments to the Act. Since the differences remain unresolved, the matter is being referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a final decision. The Prime Minister is also in charge of the Ministry of Personnel, which is the administrative ministry for all affairs concerning the proposed anti-corruption ombudsman.


After various associations of civil servants, including the IAS and IPS, sent representations seeking amendment to the provision relating to declaration of assets, arguing that the security of their family members could be compromised if such details are made public, the government had earlier extended the deadline for filing the declarations till December 31.

While sources privy to the discussions said the DoPT is supporting the bureaucracy, some other departments are of the view that if the demand of the civil servants is accepted, elected political representatives could also raise similar demands.

During discussions within the government, three options were laid out but no final decision was taken. The options are:

    Details of only immovable assets of public servants should be made public. Details of the officer’s movable assets as well as the assets of his/ her spouse and children should be kept in a sealed cover, to be opened only during investigations/ official proceedings against the officer.
    All details of assets — movable and immovable — should be kept in a sealed cover.
    It should be mandatory for government officials to declare their assets, but not that of their family members.


The Law Ministry, it is learnt, has suggested that rather than amending the relevant provision of the Act to deal with the issue, suitable changes should be incorporated in the relevant rules to achieve the purpose.

However, a strong section within the government feels that any move to water down the provision could send a “wrong” signal about the intentions of the government, especially since it rode to power on a strong anti-corruption plank.

A petition filed by the wife of a government officer is also pending in the Delhi High Court. The petitioner, who is employed in an IT company, has challenged the constitutionality of the provision, contending it is violation of her fundamental rights.

“The Prime Minister will most likely take the final call on this issue. There is some merit in all the arguments and it will essentially be a political decision. But there is general consensus that any amendments will have to be introduced in the coming session,” said a source.

The source said it has been decided to amend the Act to allow the leader of the single largest opposition party in Lok Sabha to be part of the Lokpal selection panel committee. Another amendment will ensure that even if some members of the selection committee are not able to participate in the meetings, the panel would continue to function.

Source: The Indian Express
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/officials-reluctant-to-declare-assets-dopt-backs-them/99/