SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Finance Department has laid down clear rules governing the admissibility of charge allowance for government employees holding additional charge of identical or equivalent posts.
The clarification comes amid repeated references from various departments seeking guidance on whether officials assigned additional responsibilities alongside their primary duties are entitled to extra remuneration.
Referring to provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services Regulations, 1956, the department stated that a government servant may be assigned additional charge either to discharge routine/current duties or to undertake full duties and responsibilities of another post, within the same or different office.
The Finance Department emphasized that under Article 86(1), it is mandatory for appointing authorities to clearly specify the nature of duties—whether routine or full charge—while issuing such orders. It noted that ambiguity in several past orders led to situations where employees performed full functions, including statutory duties, without receiving charge allowance.
Allowance Only for Full Charge
As per the clarification, charge allowance will be admissible only in cases where an officer is assigned full duties and responsibilities of an identical or equivalent post under Article 85(2). The allowance will be calculated at one-tenth of the minimum pay of the post (as per pre-revised 6th Pay Commission scales) and will remain unchanged unless revised.
No Allowance for Routine Duties
The department made it clear that no charge allowance will be granted where the additional charge is limited to routine or current duties, regardless of whether it is within the same office or elsewhere.
Specific Bar on Allowance
The order also reiterates conditions under which charge allowance shall not be admissible:
- If additional charge is held for less than 40 days in one spell
- If the additional charge pertains to a lower post
- If only routine duties are assigned
- If an employee retains charge of a previous post after transfer due to non-posting of a substitute
Calling for strict compliance, the Finance Department has directed all Administrative Secretaries, Heads of Departments, and appointing authorities to ensure clarity in assignment orders and adherence to the rules while granting charge allowance. -(KL)
