DoPT Scheme 2026-27: Financial Grant for Modernization of Departmental Canteens for Central Government Employees

The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, has issued a fresh Office Memorandum dated 22nd July 2026, inviting proposals for financial grants under the scheme for the modernization of non-statutory departmental canteens for the Financial Year 2026-27.

Departmental canteens function as a vital staff welfare measure in various Central Government offices across India. This financial assistance aims to upgrade canteen infrastructure, improve dining conditions, and ensure the provision of hygienic, safe, and efficient food services for all Central Government Employees.

Detailed Summary of the Modernization Scheme

1. Aims and Objectives: The primary objective of this scheme is to execute the modernization of existing departmental canteens through dedicated welfare funding. The grant is specifically intended for upgrading kitchen equipment and kitchenware, procuring suitable environment-friendly and fire-resistant furniture (such as high dining tables and side tables), enhancing general storage capacity, and ensuring hygienic raw material preservation through deep freezers and modern refrigerators.

2. Eligibility and Submission Process: All Ministries, Departments, and their attached or subordinate offices located in Delhi as well as outside Delhi are eligible to evaluate their canteen requirements and submit modernization proposals.

• Proposals must be forwarded to DoPT only after obtaining formal approval from the respective Integrated Finance Divisions (IFDs) of the concerned Ministry or Department.
• The submitting department must mandatory provide details of their Authorized Controller Code (Pr. AO), PAO code, and DDO code along with the proposal.
• Ministries or Departments that have already forwarded proposals or received the modernization grant in earlier cycles do not need to re-submit.

Category-Wise Admissible Grant Amount

The financial assistance provided by DoPT is categorized based on the approved type of the non-statutory departmental canteen:

Important Terms & Conditions

• First-Come, First-Served: As this grant is a one-time measure, funds will be released strictly on a first-come, first-served basis following evaluation by a dedicated DoPT Committee.
• Excess Expenditure: If the total cost of a modernization proposal exceeds the maximum admissible grant limit, the remaining balance must be borne by the respective Ministry/Department in consultation with their IFD.
• Restriction on Fund Usage: In strict compliance with DoPT O.M. dated 09.04.1992, these modernization funds cannot be utilized as Capital Grants to establish new canteens, nor can they be used as replacement grants or for routine repairs of main equipment.
• Technical Guidance: While finalizing demands for kitchen equipment, departments are encouraged to seek technical guidance from the nearest Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) operating under the Ministry of Tourism.
• No Structural Alterations: Proposals must not involve any physical alteration to the basic structure of the office building. Any addition to electrical loads must be executed in consultation with competent civil/electrical authorities.
• Adherence to GFR: All procurement of goods, equipment, and services must strictly comply with the provisions of the General Financial Rules (GFR).
• Mandatory Reporting: The user Ministry or Department must submit a comprehensive Status Report within one month of project completion and furnish the required Utilization Certificates (UCs).

Conclusion

The DoPT Modernization Scheme for Financial Year 2026-27 is an exceptional opportunity for Central Government offices to upgrade their departmental canteens into hygienic, modern, and well-equipped dining facilities. Enhancing workplace amenities directly contributes to employee satisfaction and welfare.

Administrative divisions and Joint Secretaries/Directors (Administration) of all eligible Ministries, Departments, and Attached/Subordinate offices are strongly advised to assess their canteen needs promptly. To ensure timely release of funds on a first-come, first-served basis, approved proposals complete with IFD concurrence and accounting codes must be forwarded to DoPT well before the final deadline of 31st August 2026.

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