Lokpal Update – No need to file declaration of assets before 31st December 2016

The
revised date for compliance under the Lokpal Act was 31st December
2016 and there was a lot of anxiety and panic.

We,
at CAP were reasonably certain that the date for compliance would be
extended and indeed it has been the case. Please see latest copy of
the Office Memorandum (OM) dated 1st December 2016 issued by the
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Department of
Personnel and Training, Government of India.

The
OM clearly states: “There is no
requirement for filing of declarations of assets and liabilities by
public servants now”.

Further,
according to the OM, the government is under the process of
“finalizing a fresh set of rules”
and the same would be notified in “due course”. No
specific deadline has been given within which the fresh rules will be
framed. Hence, until the new Rules
are framed and notified, one may simply stay alert and tuned in, but,
do nothing more by way of compliance under this Act.

We
are reasonably certain that given time, more reliefs will come our
way. 

 

Noshir
H. Dadrawala