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Rule 131 - Works Control | KartavyaDesk

GFR 2017

Original Rule Text

Rule 131 Administrative control of works includes: (i) assumption of full responsibility for construction, maintenance and upkeep; (ii) proper utilization of buildings and allied works; (iii) provision of funds for execution of these functions.

What This Means

Rule 131 of the General Financial Rules (GFR) 2017 essentially outlines the administrative control over any 'works' undertaken by the government. 'Works' in this context refers to construction projects, buildings, infrastructure, and related maintenance. This rule makes it clear that the department or authority responsible for a particular work is also responsible for its complete lifecycle, from initial construction to ongoing maintenance and eventual upkeep. This means they can't just build something and then forget about it. They are accountable for ensuring it remains functional and well-maintained.

This rule applies to all government departments, agencies, and organizations involved in construction, maintenance, or management of government assets. It affects everyone from the engineers overseeing construction to the finance officers allocating funds for upkeep. The rule ensures accountability and prevents situations where government assets fall into disrepair due to lack of oversight or funding.

Ultimately, Rule 131 emphasizes a holistic approach to managing government assets. It's not just about building something; it's about ensuring its long-term usability and value for the public. This includes proper planning, budgeting, and execution of maintenance activities to prevent premature deterioration and maximize the lifespan of government infrastructure.

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

Key Points

  • •Full responsibility for construction, maintenance, and upkeep of works lies with the administrative authority.
  • •Proper utilization of buildings and allied works is a key aspect of administrative control.
  • •Provision of adequate funds for execution of construction, maintenance, and upkeep is mandatory.
  • •The rule promotes a lifecycle approach to managing government assets.
  • •Applies to all government departments involved in construction and maintenance activities.

Practical Example

The Ministry of Jal Shakti commissions the construction of a new irrigation canal in Rajasthan. As per Rule 131, the designated department within the Ministry assumes full responsibility for the canal's construction, including ensuring it's built according to specifications and within budget. After construction, the department remains responsible for the canal's maintenance, including regular inspections, repairs to prevent leaks, and clearing of silt. They must also ensure the canal is utilized effectively for irrigation purposes, maximizing its benefit to farmers. Furthermore, they are responsible for requesting and managing the necessary funds from the Finance Ministry to cover all these activities. If, due to negligence, the canal falls into disrepair and fails to deliver water, the responsible officers within the Ministry will be held accountable.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What constitutes 'works' under Rule 131?▼
'Works' encompasses all construction projects, buildings, infrastructure, and related maintenance activities undertaken by the government.
Who is responsible for ensuring funds are available for maintenance?▼
The administrative authority responsible for the 'works' is responsible for requesting and managing the necessary funds for construction, maintenance, and upkeep.
What happens if a building is not properly maintained under Rule 131?▼
The responsible officers within the concerned department can be held accountable for negligence and failure to fulfill their duties related to maintenance and upkeep.
Does Rule 131 apply to leased properties?▼
Rule 131 primarily applies to assets owned by the government. However, the terms of the lease agreement may specify responsibilities for maintenance and upkeep, which would then be governed by those terms in addition to other relevant GFR rules.
How does Rule 131 relate to other GFR rules?▼
Rule 131 is interconnected with other GFR rules related to procurement, asset management, and financial control. It provides the overarching framework for administrative control, while other rules provide specific guidelines for various aspects of managing government assets.

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 131 of the General Financial Rules, 2017, what is a key aspect of the administrative control of works?

Related Rules

Rule 271General Financial Rules 2017 (amended July 2024) - Rule 271 - Chapter 10Rule 109General Financial Rules 2017 (amended July 2024) - Rule 109Rule 146General Financial Rules 2017 (amended July 2024) - Rule 146 - Chapter 6Rule 169General Financial Rules 2017 (amended July 2024) - Rule 169 - Chapter 6Rule 215General Financial Rules 2017 (amended July 2024) - Rule 215 - Chapter 6

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