The Bihar government has ordered a thorough scrutiny of salaries and allowances for all employees in the education and home departments. This decision comes after irregularities were detected in the processing of salary payments. The review must be completed before the release of next month's salaries, which may cause delays for many employees. Payments to those responsible for irregularities could be withheld as disciplinary actions are considered.
- The education department employs over six lakh staff, including teachers and headmasters.
- The home department has more than three lakh employees, including police and security personnel.
- Salary bills are processed online through the Human Resource Management System (HRMS) portal.
- Disciplinary and administrative actions will be taken against officials involved in irregularities.
- Recovery of any excess payments will be ensured.
Why has Bihar ordered salary scrutiny for these departments?
The Bihar government issued the directive following the detection of irregularities in salary processing. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) flagged issues specifically in the education department's salary bills. To address these concerns, the finance department instructed both the education and home departments to conduct strict reviews before releasing salaries.
What departments and employees are affected?
The order covers all employees under the education and home departments. The education department includes over six lakh teachers, headmasters, and non-teaching staff. The home department comprises more than three lakh employees, such as police officers and security personnel. All salary and allowance payments for these employees must be scrutinized.
How will the salary scrutiny process work?
Salary bills are processed online using the Human Resource Management System (HRMS) portal. The process involves multiple levels: Maker, Checker, and Approver. The finance department's letter mandates that senior officers in both departments must carefully review salary bills at these stages. Only after this scrutiny can the salaries be released through the Comprehensive Financial Management System (CFMS).
What actions will be taken against irregularities?
The government has made it clear that any officials found responsible for irregularities will face disciplinary and administrative action. This includes those involved at any stage of salary processing, such as Makers, Checkers, or Approvers. Additionally, the government will ensure the recovery of any excess payments made due to errors or irregularities.
Who is overseeing the implementation of this directive?
The Finance Department Principal Secretary, Vinay Kumar, issued the letter dated October 9, instructing the departments to comply on a priority basis. Copies of the letter were sent to all district magistrates for information and necessary action. Deputy Chief Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav, who also holds the finance portfolio, confirmed that the directive was prompted by the CAG's findings.
What impact might this have on employees?
The scrutiny process may delay the release of salaries for many employees in both departments. However, this step aims to ensure transparency and accuracy in salary payments. Employees found to have received excess payments may have to return the amounts, and those responsible for irregularities may face consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why were irregularities found in salary processing?
A: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) flagged discrepancies during audits, prompting the government to investigate and ensure proper salary management.
Q: Will all employees face salary delays?
A: Salaries may be delayed as the departments conduct thorough reviews, but this is necessary to correct irregularities and prevent future issues.
Q: What systems are used for salary processing?
A: Salaries are processed through the Human Resource Management System (HRMS) portal and payments are made via the Comprehensive Financial Management System (CFMS).
Q: Who is responsible for salary irregularities?
A: Officials involved at any stage of salary processing, including Makers, Checkers, and Approvers, may be held accountable if found responsible for irregularities.
