DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

In a move to enhance financial discipline and improve efficiency, the Haryana Government has issued detailed guidelines for State Accounts Service (SAS) cadre officers posted in various administrative departments.

In a letter to all Administrative Secretaries, Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, who also holds the charge of Additional Chief Secretary of the Finance Department, has noted that many financial proposals are being sent to the Finance Department by SAS officers ? including Section Officers, Accounts Officers, Senior Accounts Officers, and Chief Accounts Officers ? without proper initial scrutiny.

This adds an unnecessary burden on the department and delays the processing of proposals.

Therefore, it is now the responsibility of all SAS cadre officers posted in administrative departments to thoroughly and carefully examine all proposals with financial implications before sending them to the Finance Department. They must also ensure that the proposals align with the Finance Department's policies, circulars, budget provisions, and delegated financial powers.

The concerned officers must include clear comments on their recommendations, objections, or observations and ensure that all necessary documents, checklists, and approvals are attached with the proposal.

They are expected to notify the administrative departments in advance of any procedural or financial deficiencies so that necessary corrections can be made before finalizing the proposal.

Finance Department officers posted in departments will ensure that every proposal is scrutinized based on key financial parameters. This includes verifying the availability of budget under the relevant head and suggesting re-appropriation if necessary.

The proposals must also comply with Finance Department instructions related to austerity, expenditure control, and procurement guidelines.

Officers will also examine whether the proposal falls within delegated financial powers or requires higher-level approval. A clear assessment of financial justification must be made for each proposal, including any alternative considered.

The recurring and non-recurring nature of expenditure must be identified, along with its long-term financial implications. Procurement procedures must comply with the Haryana Service Rules (HSR Manual), General Financial Rules (GFR), or departmental guidelines.

Proposals related to staff matters such as creation of posts, pay revisions, appointment of consultants, or manpower planning must be examined as per Finance Department norms. For time-bound schemes and projects, the approved cost, financial flow, and timeline must be confirmed. Any ineligible expenditure must also be flagged.

Additionally, if a proposal relates to a new scheme, Finance Department officers must ensure that no similar scheme already exists. Such proposals must include a brief background of the scheme and a six-tier classification format (Major Head, Sub-Major Head, Minor Head, Sub Head, Detailed Head, and Object Head).

Furthermore, every proposal sent for Finance Department's concurrence must include a certificate from the Finance Department officer posted in the concerned administrative department.

This certificate should clearly state that the proposal has been examined as per Finance Department guidelines, budget provisions are available, all standards have been followed, and whether or not the proposal is recommended for concurrence. Finance Department officers working in administrative departments will be responsible for the accuracy of financial scrutiny and will act as guardians of financial propriety.

Finance Department has made it clear that these officers will be directly accountable for the accuracy and transparency of financial scrutiny, and any negligence at any level may lead to administrative action.

All Administrative Secretaries have been requested to ensure strict compliance with these guidelines by the SAS officers posted in their departments.

(editor@dailyworld.in)