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Rule 245 - Staff Welfare Grants | KartavyaDesk

GFR 2017

Original Rule Text

a. Grants-in-aid for provision of amenities or of recreational or welfare facilities to the staff of the offices of the Government are regulated under orders of the Ministry of Home Affairs issued from time to time. The admissibility of the Grants-in-aid for the welfare of the employees of the Government should be regulated in the following manner :- (i) The Grant in aid will be admissible on the basis of the total strength borne on the regular strength of an organization, i.e., Ministry or Department, etc., and its Attached and Subordinate Offices and such statutory bodies whose budget forms part of Consolidated Fund of India, irrespective of the fact whether any individual is a member of the staff club, etc., or not. However, Grant-in- aid in respect of Gazetted Officers will be admissible only to that Ministry or Department or Office where membership of recreation club is open to such officers. Staff paid from contingencies, workcharged staff etc., will not be taken into calculation for this purpose. Staff eligible for similar concession under some other rule or statutory provision, e.g., industrial workers will also not be covered by these orders. (ii) Amounts of Grants-in-aid. (a) The rate of the Grant-in-aid will be Rupees fifty per head per annum. In addition to this, an additional Grantin-aid up to Rupees twenty-five per head per annum to match the subscriptions collected during the previous financial year by the existing staff clubs will be admissible. In the case of staff clubs which are started during the financial year in which Grant-in-aid is to be given, an additional matching grants- in-aid up to Rupees twentyfive per head per annum, to match the subscription collected by such clubs up to the date on which the proposal for the Grant is mooted, may be sanctioned. The total strength of the eligible staff will be that existing on the thirty-first March of the previous financial year or that on the date on which proposal for Grant is mooted in the case of new staff clubs above rates, as revised from time to time will apply. (iii) An illustrative list of items on which expenditure can be incurred out of Grants-in-aid sanctioned by

What This Means

Rule 245 of the General Financial Rules (GFR) 2017 deals with grants-in-aid provided to government offices for staff welfare activities like recreation and amenities. Think of it as money the government provides to help improve the well-being of its employees. This rule outlines who is eligible for these grants, how much money can be given, and what the money can be used for. It's important to note that the Ministry of Home Affairs issues specific orders that further regulate these grants, so this rule acts as a general guideline.

The grant is based on the total number of regular employees in a Ministry, Department, or attached office, regardless of whether they are members of the staff club. However, for Gazetted Officers, the grant is only applicable if the recreation club is open to them. The amount of the grant is calculated per employee and can be supplemented by matching funds based on the subscriptions collected by the staff club. This ensures that employee contributions are also incentivized. The rule also specifies that certain categories of staff, like those paid from contingencies or industrial workers already receiving similar benefits, are not included in the calculation.

Essentially, Rule 245 aims to support staff welfare by providing financial assistance to government offices. It sets the framework for how these grants are allocated and used, ensuring that the funds are used effectively to improve the working lives of government employees. It's crucial for government employees involved in managing staff welfare funds to understand this rule and any related orders from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

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

Key Points

  • Grants-in-aid are provided for staff welfare amenities and recreational facilities.
  • Eligibility is based on the total number of regular employees, with specific conditions for Gazetted Officers.
  • The grant amount is calculated per employee, with additional matching grants available based on staff club subscriptions.
  • Certain categories of staff (e.g., contingency staff, industrial workers with similar benefits) are excluded from the calculation.
  • Ministry of Home Affairs issues specific orders that further regulate these grants.

Practical Example

The Ministry of Agriculture has a total of 500 regular employees, including its attached and subordinate offices. Their staff club, 'Krishi Kalyan Sangh,' collected subscriptions totaling ₹10,000 in the previous financial year. According to Rule 245, the Ministry is eligible for a basic grant-in-aid of ₹50 per employee, totaling ₹25,000 (500 x ₹50). Additionally, they are eligible for a matching grant of up to ₹25 per employee, but limited to the actual subscriptions collected. Since the subscriptions equate to ₹20 per employee (₹10,000 / 500), they will receive an additional grant of ₹10,000. The total grant-in-aid for Krishi Kalyan Sangh will be ₹35,000. This money can be used for organizing recreational activities, purchasing sports equipment, or improving the staff canteen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are contractual employees included when calculating the grant-in-aid?
No, only employees on the regular strength of the organization are considered for the grant-in-aid calculation. Contractual employees are not included.
What can the grant-in-aid be used for?
The grant-in-aid is intended for providing amenities, recreational facilities, and welfare facilities to the staff. Specific items may be further detailed in orders from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
How often is the grant-in-aid provided?
The rule specifies an annual rate per head, suggesting that the grant-in-aid is typically provided on an annual basis.
If our staff club was newly formed this year, are we still eligible for the matching grant?
Yes, new staff clubs are eligible for a matching grant up to ₹25 per head per annum, matching the subscriptions collected up to the date the grant proposal is submitted.
Where can I find the specific orders from the Ministry of Home Affairs related to these grants?
You should consult the official website of the Ministry of Home Affairs or contact the relevant department within your organization responsible for staff welfare and financial matters.

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 245 of the General Financial Rules, 2017, which ministry issues orders regulating grants-in-aid for staff welfare amenities and recreational facilities?

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