Government Rules — Questions & Answers
622 common questions answered with rule citations. Can't find your answer? Search rules or ask Niti AI.
Is the CAG's advice on accounting standards binding on the government?
Under Article 150, the President prescribes the form of accounts on the CAG's advice — this is constitutionally mandated. For other advisory matters, the a...
What is the departmentalised accounting system?
It is the system where each Ministry/Department handles its own accounting through designated public sector banks (nominated by RBI) rather than through a ...
What does it mean that Goa has 'departmentalised' its accounts?
It means the state government has taken over the compilation of its own accounts from the CAG's office. The Accountant General (A&E) no longer prepares the...
Why is the last day of the month used instead of the actual dates of expenditure?
PWD expenditure occurs in small amounts across many days. Using the last day of the month simplifies interest calculation while being fair to the borrower ...
What are takavi works?
Takavi works are government-financed agricultural improvement works (like wells, bunds, or small irrigation channels) where the cost is advanced as a loan ...
How does integrated audit differ from a regular compliance audit?
Compliance audit checks whether rules were followed. Integrated audit goes much further by examining the entire functioning of a department -- its financia...
Why is dual follow-up necessary?
The Local Fund Auditor may have capacity constraints or different priorities. The AG's independent follow-up ensures that serious observations are not negl...
Can the government request changes to the finalized paragraph at this stage?
At this stage, the paragraph has already been finalized. While the government can raise concerns, the finalization process (including consideration of thei...
What if the corporation's Act is silent on CAG audit?
If the legislation does not specifically provide for CAG audit, the general provisions of the DPC Act and these Regulations would apply to the extent relev...
What is the Representational Grant?
It is a grant given to senior diplomats (typically Ambassadors and High Commissioners) to cover expenses for hosting official receptions, dinners, and othe...
How are modifications communicated?
Modifications are issued as orders of the CAG and communicated to all AG offices through the CAG's headquarters. Significant modifications may be published...
Can one audit combine all three types?
Yes. Regulation 5(4) explicitly states that audits combining 'either all or some aspects of financial, compliance and performance audits are also conducted...
Can the AG recover past payments made under a wrong rule interpretation?
Generally no. The correct interpretation takes effect from the date of the competent authority's order, not retrospectively, unless there are special instr...
How are HRA rates determined?
HRA rates depend on the city classification (X, Y, or Z category based on population) and the officer's pay level. These rates are prescribed by government...
What is an audit trail in a computer system?
An audit trail is a chronological record that provides documentary evidence of the sequence of activities — from input through processing to output. It all...
How often must suspense balances be analyzed into individual items?
Quarterly. The details of each transaction making up the balance are entered in an analysis register, which must be reviewed by the Branch Officer....
Why must the report be in the IO's own handwriting?
Handwriting ensures confidentiality — it cannot be typed by support staff who might compromise the sensitive assessment. It also authenticates that the IO ...
Why does Central Audit check contract agreements?
Vague or imprecise contracts can lead to disputes, cost overruns, and financial losses for the government. Audit ensures contracts follow standard practice...
What about periodic grants like police uniform allowance?
The statement of service must record the last payment of grants that are renewable at fixed intervals, so the new Accounts Officer knows when the next gran...
Who is responsible for keeping the residential address list of Section staff?
Para 8(e) makes the Section Officer responsible for maintaining a list of residential addresses of all Section staff. This is needed for emergency contacts...