FM’s guidelines for distribution of electronic devices to officers

The Finance Ministry has instructed various departments and ministries to adhere to the guidelines set by the Department of Expenditure related to the distribution of mobiles, laptops, and similar devices to eligible Government of India officers for official purposes. The Department of Expenditure expressed concern that several ministries/departments have formulated their own policies on this matter, which do not align with the Finance Ministry's guidelines. As per the guidelines, central government officers are entitled to devices costing up to Rs 1.3 lakh, which could be retained for personal use after 4 years. Officers of the rank of deputy secretary and above are eligible, while 50 percent of the sanctioned strength of Section Officers and Under Secretaries could be issued such devices. The cost of the device could be Rs 1 lakh plus taxes. However, for devices with a Make-in-India component exceeding 40 percent, the price ceiling would be Rs 1.30 lakh plus taxes.