Introduction

The Ministry of Communications, Department of Posts, has issued Addendum III to modify the delegation of financial powers. Following a thorough evaluation of requests from various Functional Divisions and Circles, this document updates previous memorandums to revise, add, and remove certain items of expenditure.

Key Powers: Heads of Circles (HOC) & Heads of Department (HOD)

Under Schedule II.A, the revised financial limits for HOCs and HODs include the following:

• Medical Reimbursement: HOCs can sanction up to Rs. 10 Lakh per case, while HODs are authorized up to Rs. 1,00,000 per case.
• Office Expenses: For contingent expenditures, HOCs can approve up to Rs. 5 Lakhs per case (maximum Rs. 50 Lakhs annually), and HODs can approve up to Rs. 3 Lakhs per case.
• Rewards: Cash awards up to Rs. 25,000 can be granted to postal employees and Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) for displaying exceptional courage, protecting government property, or detecting fraud.
• Building Construction: HOCs can sanction project estimates for the construction or reconstruction of postal buildings up to Rs. 20 Crores, whereas HODs can sanction up to Rs. 10 Crores.
• IT and Vehicles: HOCs have full powers to procure new operational vehicles to replace condemned ones. For laptop procurement, the limit is Rs. 50 Lakh per annum for HOCs and Rs. 25 Lakh for HODs.

Key Powers: Divisional Heads & Chief Postmasters

Under Schedule III, the powers delegated to Heads of Postal and RMS Divisions, Chief Postmaster (GPO), and Senior Postmasters have been outlined:

• Medical Reimbursement: Delegated up to Rs. 2 Lakh in each case.
• Office Expenses & Furniture: Contingent non-recurring charges are permitted up to Rs. 25,000 per case. The purchase of fixtures and furniture is allowed up to Rs. 1,00,000 per case (capped at Rs. 10 Lakh per annum).
• Minor Civil & Electrical Works: Expenditure is approved up to Rs. 1,00,000 for government buildings. For rented buildings, the limit is Rs. 30,000 for non-scheme works and Rs. 50,000 for scheme works.
• Repairs & Maintenance: A limit of Rs. 25,000 per case applies for the repair and maintenance of office equipment, digital equipment, tools, and vehicles.