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Rule 129 - Recovery Accounting | KartavyaDesk

GFR 2017

Original Rule Text

Rule 129 Account etc. Recovery actually effected, irrespective of the year to which it relates shall be adjusted in accounts in the schedule of recovery to be attached to the Appropriation Account of the year in which the recovery is affected.

What This Means

Rule 129 of the General Financial Rules (GFR), 2017, deals with how recovered money is accounted for. Simply put, it states that any money recovered by the government, regardless of when the original debt or issue occurred, must be recorded in the government's accounts during the financial year in which the recovery actually happens. This means that if you recover money related to a transaction from several years ago, you don't adjust the old accounts; instead, you record the recovery in the current year's accounts. This ensures accurate tracking of government finances and prevents confusion about past transactions.

The rule applies to all government departments and agencies that handle financial transactions and recover funds. It's particularly relevant when dealing with outstanding debts, overpayments, or any other situation where the government is recouping money. The recovered amount is shown as a schedule of recovery attached to the Appropriation Account of the year in which the recovery is made. This ensures transparency and accountability in government accounting practices.

This rule is crucial for maintaining a clear and accurate picture of the government's financial position. It ensures that all recovered funds are properly accounted for in the current financial year, regardless of when the original debt arose. This helps in better financial planning, auditing, and overall management of government resources.

This explanation was generated with AI assistance for educational purposes. Always refer to the official gazette notification for authoritative text.

Key Points

  • Recovery is accounted for in the year it's *actually* effected.
  • The year of the original debt/issue is irrelevant for accounting the recovery.
  • Applies to all government departments and agencies.
  • Recovery is shown as a schedule attached to the Appropriation Account.
  • Ensures transparency and accountability in financial management.

Practical Example

The Ministry of Rural Development discovered in 2023 that Mr. Sharma, a former project officer, had been overpaid ₹50,000 in 2018. After legal proceedings, the Ministry recovered the full amount from Mr. Sharma in December 2023. According to Rule 129, the ₹50,000 recovery will be recorded in the Ministry's accounts for the financial year 2023-2024. It will be included in the schedule of recoveries attached to the Appropriation Account for that year.

Even though the overpayment occurred in 2018, the accounts for that year are not adjusted. The recovery is treated as income in the current financial year, reflecting the actual inflow of funds. This ensures that the government's current financial position accurately reflects the recovered amount.

This explanation was generated with AI assistance for educational purposes. Always refer to the official gazette notification for authoritative text.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Appropriation Account?
An Appropriation Account is a statement showing the actual expenditure of a government department against the grants voted by the Parliament. It provides a comparison between the sanctioned budget and the actual spending.
What happens if the recovery is made in a foreign currency?
The recovered amount in foreign currency will be converted to Indian Rupees at the prevailing exchange rate on the date of recovery and then accounted for as per Rule 129.
Does this rule apply to recoveries from private individuals as well?
Yes, Rule 129 applies to all types of recoveries made by the government, regardless of whether the recovery is from a government employee, a private individual, or an organization.
What documentation is required to support the recovery?
Proper documentation, such as recovery orders, receipts, and any relevant correspondence, should be maintained to support the recovery and ensure accurate accounting. This documentation is crucial for audit purposes.
Where exactly in the Appropriation Account is the recovery shown?
The recovery is detailed in a separate 'Schedule of Recoveries' that is attached to the main Appropriation Account. This schedule provides a breakdown of the recovered amounts, making it easy to track and verify.

This explanation was generated with AI assistance for educational purposes. Always refer to the official gazette notification for authoritative text.

Test Your Knowledge

Question 1 of 3

According to Rule 129 of the General Financial Rules, 2017, when should a recovery of funds be adjusted in the government's accounts?

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