Government of Gujarat: The Gujarat state government has announced a significant increase in the hospitality expenditure of the officials. Under this decision, the expenditure on breakfast and food by government officials has been increased by about 150 percent. The implementation of this new policy will provide significant exemption in the hospitality expenditure limit for officers, which will increase their work facility.
New limit for secretary level officers
For government secretary level officers, the individual limit of expenditure at breakfast has been increased from 20 per person to 50. Similarly, the individual cost of afternoon or dinner has been increased from 100 to 250 per person. Apart from this, the annual limit of hospitality expenditure of secretary level officers has also been increased from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000. This decision will give more flexibility to host the guests to the officers of Secretary level.
Rules for Deputy Secretary Level Officers
For Deputy Secretary level officers, the personal cost of breakfast has been increased from 15 to 35 per person. However, officers of this level are not given the right to spend on food, that is, they cannot claim hospitality expenses for food. With this decision, the liability of hospitality expenditure of Deputy Secretaries has been limited.
Additional Commissioner and other officers
The annual limit of hospitality expenditure for additional commissioner level officers has been increased from Rs 5,000 to Rs 12,500. This will also make it easier for officers of this level to fulfill their operational responsibilities.
Increase for collectors and district development officers
For collectors and District Development Officers (DDOs), the personal expenses of breakfast have been increased from Rs 15 to Rs 35. In addition, personal costs for afternoon or dinner have been increased from Rs 75 to Rs 180 per person. This decision will make it easier to fulfill the responsibilities of hospitality at the district level.
New boundaries for district and department heads
The personal limit of breakfast has been increased from 10 to 25 for district heads and heads of various departments. Also, the annual limit of hospitality expenditure has been increased from 3,000 to 7,500. This will bring more flexibility to fulfill hospitality related responsibilities at the district and departmental levels.
Decision purpose and impact
The main objective of this decision is to provide financial relief to government officials in the discharge of their hospitality. Officers often host guests during government meetings, seminars and other programs, and this increase in expenses will help them to complete this responsibility better. This decision is expected to increase flexibility and efficiency in government work.
