UP CM Yogi approves rule change for government employees

Several decisions were taken at the cabinet meeting chaired by CM Yogi Adityanath (File Photo: PTI)

Lucknow: The Yogi government in UP approved significant changes to the conduct rules for government employees in a cabinet meeting. Employees will now be required to annually report major investments, purchases of movable and immovable property. A new policy for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban 2.0 was also approved, under which the poor and middle class will receive financial assistance from the central and state governments for home construction.

Important changes have been made to the rules for millions of government employees in Uttar Pradesh. The state cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, approved amendments to the Government Servants’ Conduct Rules, 1956. The government stated that the primary objective of these changes is to increase transparency in the investments, movable and immovable assets, and financial activities of government employees, ensuring accountability and making the administrative system more clear and accountable.

Following this decision taken in the cabinet meeting, government employees will now be required to provide information related to their investments and assets more regularly than before. The government believes this will increase transparency in government service and reduce the likelihood of irregularities. The Government Servants’ Conduct Rules have been in effect in Uttar Pradesh since 1956. Amendments have been made from time to time as circumstances require. The changes now primarily relate to Rule 21 and Rule 24. The government states that investment practices are rapidly changing today. Investments in the stock market, mutual funds, and other financial instruments have increased. Therefore, it is essential for the administration to have information about employees’ investments to avoid any conflicts of interest or irregularities.

Under the amended Rule 21, if a government employee invests more than six months of their basic salary in shares, stocks, or other financial instruments during a calendar year, they must report this to their competent authority. Previously, the reporting process for such investments was not as clear, but now it has been clearly incorporated into the rules. According to government officials, this provision has been made so that the department has information on large financial investments and can investigate or verify them if necessary.

Information on the purchase of movable property is also mandatory

The government has also amended Rule 24. Now, if an employee purchases movable property worth more than two months’ basic salary, they must report it to the concerned officer. Previously, this limit was equal to one month’s basic salary, meaning even small purchases required reporting. Now, the limit has been increased to two months’ salary, providing some relief to employees. Movable property can include vehicles, expensive electronic equipment, valuables, or other valuables.

Information on immovable property will be required every year.

The Cabinet meeting also made significant amendments to the rules related to immovable property. Previously, government employees were required to provide information about their immovable property once every five years. However, this has now been changed. Under the new system, employees will now be required to provide details of their immovable property every year. This will include land, houses, flats, or other immovable properties. The government says this will ensure regular updates and maintain transparency. The state government believes these changes will enhance transparency in the government system. Experts say that providing investment and property information for government employees is already part of a system implemented in many state and central government services. In Uttar Pradesh, efforts have been made to make it more clear and consistent. According to the government, these changes will make it easier to monitor employees’ financial activities and may also help curb corruption.

New policy approved for PM Awas Yojana-Urban 2.0

Another major decision taken in the Cabinet meeting was under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. A new policy for the construction of affordable housing and rental housing has been approved under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban 2.0. The government says the scheme aims to provide affordable housing to middle-income and economically weaker sections of society living in cities.

Beneficiaries will receive financial assistance

Under the new policy, each beneficiary will receive financial assistance for housing construction. This includes Rs. 1.50 lakh from the central government and Rs. 1 lakh from the state government. This will bring the total assistance to Rs. 2.50 lakh per beneficiary. The government believes that this financial assistance will make it easier for millions of families to build homes.

Developers will also receive various incentives

To make the scheme attractive, the government has decided to offer several incentives to developers. Developers working on whitelisted projects will receive exemptions from land use change fees, map approval fees, and external development charges. Beneficiaries will also receive stamp duty relief, making it cheaper to purchase or build a home.

Affordable Rental Housing Model

The new policy also includes the Affordable Rental Housing (ARH) model. Under this model, rental homes will be built for working urban residents. These houses can be constructed by private organizations, public institutions, and industrial units. These same organizations will also operate and maintain these houses.

Who will benefit?

According to the government, this scheme is specifically designed for those who cannot find affordable and safe housing in cities. These include: urban poor families, working women, employees of industrial units, economically weaker sections (EWS), and low-income groups (LIG). The government aims to provide dignified housing to those in need in cities.

A major decision regarding Kanshi Ram Housing

An important decision was also taken regarding the Kanshi Ram Housing Scheme during the cabinet meeting. Complaints of unauthorized occupation of Kanshi Ram Housing built in several districts of the state had surfaced. The government has decided to investigate such cases. Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna, while giving information after the meeting, said that any houses found to be under unauthorized occupation will be vacated. After this, the houses will be repaired, painted, and repaired as needed and then re-allotted to eligible Dalit families. The government says that these houses were built for the needy, and therefore, it will ensure that their benefits reach the right people.

What is the government’s objective?

Officials say that the state government believes that the houses under the Kanshi Ram Housing Scheme should be used properly. If there are any illegal occupations, they will be removed and the houses will be given back to needy families. This step could provide homes to thousands of families. These decisions taken in the cabinet meeting are being considered important steps towards administrative reform and social welfare.