Rule 2 - Definitions
Original Rule Text
Rule 2 Definition: In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires-
(i) “Accounts Officer” means the Head of an Office of Accounts or the Head of a Pay and Accounts Office set up under the scheme of departmentalization of accounts;
(ii) “Administrator” means Administrator of a Union Territory, by whatever name designated;
(iii) “Appropriation” means the assignment, to meet specified expenditure, of funds included in a primary unit of appropriation;
(iv) “Audit Officer” means the Head of an Office of Audit;
(v) “Competent Authority” means, in respect of the power to be exercised under any of these Rules, the President or such other authority to which the power is delegated by or under these Rules, Delegation of Financial Power Rules or any other general or special orders issued by the Government of India;
(vi) “Comptroller and Auditor General” means the Comptroller and Auditor General of India;
(vii) “Consolidated Fund” means the Consolidated Fund of India referred to in Article 266 (1) of the Constitution;
(viii) “Constitution” means the Constitution of India;
(ix) “Contingency Fund” means the Contingency Fund of India established under the Contingency Fund of India Act, 1950, in terms of Article 267 (1) of the Constitution;
(x) “Controlling Officer” means an officer entrusted by a Department of the Central Government with the responsibility of controlling the incurring of expenditure and/or the collection of revenue. The term shall include a Head of Department and also an Administrator;
(xi) “Department of the Government of India” means any of the Ministries, Departments, Secretariats and Offices as notified from time to time and listed in the First Schedule to the Government of India (Allocation of Business Rules);
(xii) “Drawing and Disbursing Officer” means a Head of Office and also any other Gazetted Officer so designated by a Department of the Central Government, a Head of Department or an Administrator, to draw bills and make payments on behalf of the Central Government. The term shall also include a Head of Department or an Administrator where he himself discharges such function;
(xiii) “Ministry of Finance” means the Ministry of Finance of the Central Government;
(xiv) “Financial Year” means the year beginning on the 1st of April and ending on the 31st of March following;
(xv) “Government” means the Central Government;
(xvi) “Government Account” means the account relating to the Consolidated Fund, the Contingency Fund and the Public Account; as defined in these rules;
(xvii) “Head of the Department’’ means an authority or person (not below the rank of a Deputy Secretary to the Government of India), declared by the concerned Department in the Government of India as a Head of Department in relation to an identifiable establishment or establishments to exercise the delegated financial powers under these Rules;
(xviii) “Head of Office” means
(a) a Gazetted Officer declared as such in the Delegation of Financial Powers Rules and
(b) any other authority declared as such under any general or special orders of the competent authority;
(xix) “Local Body” means an authority legally entitled or specially empowered by Ch.-1 - INTRODUCTION
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Government to administer a local fund;
(xx) “Local Fund” means a local fund as defined in Rule 652 of the Treasury Rules;
(xxi) “Non-recurring expenditure” means expenditure other than recurring expenditure;
(xxii) “President” means the President of India;
(xxiii) “Primary unit of appropriation” means a primary unit of appropriation referred to in
What This Means
Rule 2 of the General Financial Rules (GFR) 2017 is essentially a glossary. It defines various terms used throughout the GFR, ensuring everyone understands them the same way. Think of it as a dictionary specifically for government financial matters. Understanding these definitions is crucial because they dictate how financial rules are interpreted and applied in government departments. For example, knowing what constitutes 'recurring expenditure' versus 'non-recurring expenditure' directly impacts budgeting and accounting practices.
This explanation was generated with AI assistance for educational purposes. Always refer to the official gazette notification for authoritative text.
Key Points
- 1Defines key terms used throughout the General Financial Rules (GFR) 2017.
- 2Ensures consistent interpretation and application of financial rules.
- 3Covers terms like 'Local Fund', 'Recurring Expenditure', 'Public Works', 'Re-appropriation', and 'CAPEX model'.
- 4Includes definitions referencing other important documents like the Treasury Rules and the Constitution of India.
- 5Provides clarity on the roles of the President and the Reserve Bank of India in financial matters.
Practical Example
The Ministry of Rural Development is planning to build a new rural road. According to Rule 2, this falls under the definition of 'Public Works' as it's transport infrastructure for the use of the general public. The initial construction cost of ₹5 crore is considered 'Non-recurring expenditure'. However, the annual maintenance of the road, estimated at ₹50 lakhs per year, is classified as 'Recurring expenditure'. Understanding these classifications is vital for proper budgeting and allocation of funds. If the Ministry needs to transfer ₹10 lakhs from the 'Training' budget to the 'Maintenance' budget, this is considered 'Re-appropriation' and must follow the procedures outlined in the Delegation of Financial Powers Rules.
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 the significance of defining 'Local Fund' in Rule 2?▼
Why is it important to differentiate between 'Recurring' and 'Non-recurring' expenditure?▼
What does 'Re-appropriation' mean in the context of government finances?▼
How does the definition of 'Public Works' impact project planning?▼
What is the CAPEX model mentioned in Rule 2?▼
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 2 of the General Financial Rules, 2017, what does 'Re-appropriation' refer to?