This Office Memorandum from May 30, 2006, addresses the issue of government servants holding elective offices in Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs). It highlights a trend of RWAs functioning without recognition from the Department of Personnel and Training (DOPT), leading to irregularities and de-recognition. The memorandum reiterates Rule 15(2) of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, which requires prior government permission for government employees seeking elective posts in RWAs. It emphasizes the importance of adhering to DOPT guidelines and the potential consequences for non-compliance, including disciplinary action. Ministries and Departments are instructed to bring these provisions to the attention of all government employees and exercise caution when granting permission for such involvement, particularly in unrecognized RWAs. The document also clarifies that the DOPT’s intervention is limited with unrecognized associations.
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File No. 5/43/01 – wel. Vol. 10
3rd floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan,
Khan Market, New Delhi – 110 003
Dated May 30, 2006
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Sub:- Holding elective office in Residents’ Welfare Association
Under the scheme for Central Govt. Residents’ Welfare Associations, such of the Residents’ Welfare Associations as are registered under the Societies’ Registration Act, 1860 and have adopted the model constitution prescribed by the DOPT are recognized by the DOPT for grant of financial assistance/guidance. The office of the Chief Welfare Officer interacts with such associations through the Area Welfare Officers (AWO). Detailed guidelines have been provided by the DOPT in the model constitution regarding Objectives and Functioning of the RWAs and procedure for holding elections etc.
- Of late, a disturbing trend has emerged that many RWAs are functioning in Govt. colonies without recognition of the DOPT. There have been frequent violations of the model guidelines. Consequently, the AWOs have reported irregularities in election procedures leading to de-recognition of the associations. It is open to such associations to take remedial measures and approach the DOPT for fresh recognition. However, many RWAs prefer to continue without recognition presumably because it suits their purpose. The DOPT does not interact with such RWAs.
- Rule 15 (2) of the CCS (Conduct) Rules provides that a Govt. servant may, without previous sanction of the Govt., take part in the registration, promotion or management of a literary, scientific or charitable society or of a club or similar organization but not hold an elective office. Any official seeking elective post in the RWAs, is, therefore, required to seek prior permission of the Govt. It is not known whether the provision of the Conduct Rules are being strictly followed in the Ministries/Departments.
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The above provisions of the CCS (Conduct) Rules assume importance in the backdrop of the recent trend as mentioned above. Refusal of recognition/de-recognition is a consequence of deviation from Govt. guidelines in matters of functioning or holding of elections. It is not desirable that a Govt. servant associates in the management of Organisations in Govt. colonies, which have been found to violate Govt. guidelines in the matter. Complaints relating to irregularities and allegation of mis-behavior are frequently received in the DOPT from residents in Govt. colonies against the office-bearers of such
Welfare Associations. However, since the DOPT does not interact with un-recognise associations, effective intervention is not possible. -
Viewed in the above backdrop, the provisions of Rule 15 (2) of the CCS (Conduct) Rules are once again re-iterated. All Ministries/Departments may please bring the above provisions of CCS (Conduct) Rules to the notice of all Govt. employees working with them. Permission for holding elective office in recognized welfare associations may be granted subject of course to the exigencies of Govt. work. Utmost care is, however, necessary in granting permission to officers for holding elective office in Residents’ Welfare Associations which are not recognized by the DOPT. The office of the CWO may be consulted in case of a doubt whether the RWA is recognized or not. Failure on the part of a Govt. servant to obtain prior permission for holding elective office in any association, recognized or un-recognised, would attract action under the provision of CCS (Conduct) Rules.
M.S. Nagra
Under Secretary (Welfare)
Tele. No. 24646961
To
All Ministries/Departments
Copy to:
- Area Welfare Officers
- Residents’ Welfare Associations