India

IAS, IPS Officers Barred From Accepting Private Awards Without Permission

By
OB Bureau

Bhubaneswar: The central government has made prior approval mandatory for IAS, IPS and IFoS officers before accepting any award from private organisation and it should not have any monetary component in cash or in terms of facilities.

While stating that the officers continue to accept awards or recognition accorded by private bodies, despite the existing instructions, the Personnel Ministry on Thursday said the competent authority may grant approval, only in exceptional circumstances, to the officers and in such cases, credentials of the private bodies/institutions/organisations should be unimpeachable.

The department issued the following instructions:

  • Awards given by Private Bodies/Institutions/Organisations may be accepted only with prior approval of Competent Authority.
  • In case of officers serving in the State, the Competent Authority would be the State Government.
  • In case of officers serving in the Centre, the Competent Authority would be the Secretary of the Ministry/Department concerned. In case of Secretaries to Government of India, the Competent Authority would be the Cabinet Secretary.
  • The Competent Authority may grant approval, only in exceptional circumstances subject to the following conditions:

(a) The award should not have any monetary component in the form of cash and/or facilities.
(b) Credentials of the Private Bodies/Institutions/Organisations should be unimpeachable.

The department has requested all ministries, departments of Union Government and State/UT governments to ensure strict adherence to these guidelines.

The guidelines assume significance considering the criticism faced by certain officers in different states, including Odisha, for receiving awards from dubious organisations. It is even alleged that such awards are ‘procured’ to enhance the reputation of officers in an environment where propaganda has become the in-thing.

OB Bureau

Recent Posts

OHRC Seeks Report From Odisha Govt On Mango Kernel Deaths In Kandhamal

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has sent notices to Secretaries of Food &…

November 7, 2024

Why Are Kartik Aaryan’s Parents Scared Of Bollywood?

New Delhi: Even as his recently-released horror comedy ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ continues to mint money…

November 7, 2024

How Delhi Police Cracked Gangrape Of Odisha Researcher; Cop In Guise Of Social Worker, Footage Of 700 CCTVs

New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: After over 20 days of investigation and analysing more than 700 CCTV cameras,…

November 7, 2024

‘No Notification Exists’: HC Closes Plea Against 1988 Ban On Salman Rushdie’s ‘The Satanic Verses’

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has closed proceedings on a petition challenging the Rajiv…

November 7, 2024

Criticised For Touching His Wife’s Feet, Vikrant Massey Gives It Back To Trollers

Mumbai: ‘12th Fail’ actor Vikrant Massey recently got trolled after pictures of him touching his…

November 7, 2024

Threat Call: Was Shah Rukh Khan Targeted For His Deer-Hunting Dialogue In ‘Anjaam’?

Mumbai: Mumbai Police swung into action immediately after Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan received a…

November 7, 2024

[Watch] Snowfall In Desert For The First Time!

Dubai: The effects of global climate change are being seen in various manifestations across the globe.…

November 7, 2024

Police Case Against Websites Selling T-Shirts With Photos Of Dawood, Bishnoi

Mumbai: When criminals are idolised and used for commercial purposes, police are bound to take action.…

November 7, 2024