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Rule 244 - Other Grants | KartavyaDesk

GFR 2017

Original Rule Text

Rule 244 Other Grants. Grants, subventions, etc., including Grants to States other than those dealt with in the foregoing rules, shall be made under special orders of Government.

What This Means

Rule 244 of the General Financial Rules (GFR) 2017 is essentially a catch-all provision for grants, subventions, and other financial assistance provided by the government that aren't covered by the specific rules preceding it. Think of it as the 'miscellaneous' category for government grants. This rule ensures that any financial assistance not explicitly detailed elsewhere in the GFR still requires explicit approval from the government before it can be disbursed.

This rule applies to a wide range of financial transactions, including grants to states that don't fall under pre-defined categories. It affects all government departments and agencies involved in disbursing funds, as well as the recipients of these grants. The key takeaway is that any grant not specifically covered by other rules needs a special order from the government to be authorized, ensuring proper oversight and accountability.

In essence, Rule 244 emphasizes the importance of proper authorization and documentation for all government financial transactions, regardless of whether they fit neatly into pre-existing categories. It reinforces the principle that all public funds must be disbursed with due diligence and under the explicit direction of the government.

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

Key Points

  • Applies to grants, subventions, and other financial assistance not covered by other GFR rules.
  • Requires a 'special order of Government' for disbursement.
  • Covers grants to States that don't fall under pre-defined categories.
  • Ensures proper authorization and accountability for all government financial transactions.
  • Affects all government departments and agencies involved in disbursing funds.

Practical Example

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs wants to provide a special grant of ₹50 crore to the state of Jharkhand for a unique tribal art preservation project. This grant doesn't fall under any of the pre-defined grant categories outlined in the GFR. Therefore, according to Rule 244, the Ministry cannot simply approve and disburse the funds.

Instead, the Ministry must obtain a 'special order of Government,' which would likely involve submitting a detailed proposal outlining the project's objectives, budget, and expected outcomes to the Department of Expenditure and potentially the Cabinet for approval. Only after receiving this special order can the Ministry proceed with disbursing the ₹50 crore grant to Jharkhand.

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 a 'special order of Government' in the context of Rule 244?
A 'special order of Government' refers to a formal approval from the relevant authority, typically involving higher levels of government (e.g., the Department of Expenditure, the Cabinet), authorizing the disbursement of funds for a specific purpose. It signifies that the grant has been reviewed and approved at a higher level than routine grants.
Does Rule 244 apply to all types of grants to State Governments?
No, Rule 244 applies to grants to State Governments that are *not* covered by other specific rules within the GFR. If a grant falls under a pre-defined category with its own set of rules, those rules will take precedence.
What happens if a department disburses a grant without a special order when required by Rule 244?
Disbursing a grant without the required special order would be a violation of the GFR and could lead to disciplinary action against the responsible officials. It could also result in the grant being deemed irregular and subject to recovery.
Who is responsible for determining whether a grant falls under Rule 244?
The department or agency proposing the grant is responsible for determining whether it falls under Rule 244. They should carefully review the existing GFR rules to see if the grant is covered elsewhere. If there is any doubt, they should seek clarification from the Department of Expenditure.
Is there a specific format for requesting a 'special order of Government'?
While there isn't a universally prescribed format, the request should typically include a detailed justification for the grant, a clear explanation of why it doesn't fall under other GFR rules, a comprehensive budget, and a description of the expected outcomes. The specific requirements may vary depending on the nature of the grant and the department involved.

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 244 of GFR 2017, what is required for grants and subventions not covered by preceding rules?

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