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Rule 216 - Transfer of Charge | KartavyaDesk

GFR 2017

Original Rule Text

Rule 216 Transfer of charge of goods, materials etc. In case of transfer of Officer-in-charge of the goods, materials etc., the transferred officer shall see that the goods or material are made over correctly to his successor. A statement giving all relevant details of the goods, materials etc., in question shall be prepared and signed with date by the relieving officer and the relieved officer. Each of these officers will retain a copy of the signed statement.

What This Means

Rule 216 of the General Financial Rules (GFR), 2017, is all about ensuring a smooth handover when an officer responsible for government goods and materials is transferred. Think of it like passing the baton in a relay race – you need to make sure the next person knows exactly what they're getting and that everything is accounted for. This rule applies whenever there's a change in the officer-in-charge of any government property, from office supplies to vehicles to construction materials. It affects both the officer leaving their post (the relieving officer) and the officer taking over (the relieved officer).

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

Key Points

  • Applies to all transfers of officers-in-charge of government goods and materials.
  • The relieving officer must ensure all goods and materials are correctly handed over.
  • A detailed statement must be prepared listing all relevant details of the goods/materials.
  • Both the relieving and relieved officers must sign and date the statement.
  • Each officer retains a copy of the signed statement for their records.

Practical Example

Mr. Sharma is being transferred from the Public Works Department (PWD) in Delhi to a new posting in Mumbai. He was in charge of the inventory of construction materials at the Delhi office, including cement, steel, and tools valued at ₹50 lakhs. Before leaving, Mr. Sharma works with his successor, Ms. Verma, to create a detailed statement listing the quantity and condition of each item. They both verify the inventory, sign and date the statement, and each keep a copy. This ensures accountability and avoids any disputes later on regarding missing or damaged materials. If discrepancies were found, they would be noted in the statement and reported to higher authorities for resolution.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if there's a discrepancy in the inventory during the handover?
Any discrepancies should be clearly noted in the statement prepared by the relieving and relieved officers. These discrepancies should then be reported to the appropriate higher authorities for investigation and resolution.
What kind of details should be included in the statement of goods and materials?
The statement should include all relevant details such as the quantity, description, condition, and any other pertinent information about the goods and materials being transferred. Serial numbers or unique identifiers should also be included where applicable.
Is this rule applicable to all government departments?
Yes, Rule 216 of the GFR, 2017, is applicable to all government departments and organizations that handle government goods and materials.
What is the purpose of retaining a copy of the signed statement?
Retaining a copy of the signed statement provides both the relieving and relieved officers with a record of the handover. This serves as evidence of the condition and quantity of goods at the time of transfer, protecting them from potential liability in the future.

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 216 of GFR 2017, what is the primary responsibility of the transferred officer (relieving officer) regarding goods and materials under their charge?

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