Lokpal: Babus to declare details of foreign accounts

All Central government employees have been asked to declare details of deposits in foreign bank accounts which includes those of their spouses and dependent children, as per the new rules under the Lokpal Act.
Besides, they have to give details of paintings, antiques, furnitures and electronic equipments among others in case their total current value exceeds two months' basic pay or Rs one lakh.
The declarations under the Lokpal Act are in addition to similar ones filed by the employees under various services rules. All Group A, B and C employees are supposed to file the declaration under the Lokpal law.

The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has written to all Central government ministries and Chief Secretaries of state governments to ensure that the employees working under them declare details of their assets and liabilities, along with that of their spouse and dependent children, by April 15.
All employees have to file returns of two years--i.E. For 2014 and 2015 by April 15--and another return giving details of their assets and liabilities for 2016 by July 31, this year.
"In this regard, it is stated that there shall be no further extension of the aforesaid last date i.E. April 15, 2016," it said in the communique.

There are about 50 lakh Central government employees.

The employees will also have to inform separately in case of any investments of over Rs 2 lakh made in movable assets, insurance, bonds, shares and mutual funds in the new form.
Investment above Rs 2 lakh to be reported individually. Investments below Rs 2 lakh may be reported together, it said.
"Details of deposits in foreign bank(s) to be given separately," the DoPT said.
They have to declare details of loans taken by them.
However, such details need not be given if the loan amount does not exceed two months basic pay or Rs one lakh.

As per rules, notified under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, every public servant shall file declaration, information and annual returns pertaining to his assets and liabilities as on March 31 every year or on or before July 31 of that year.
The deadline for filing of return has been extended four times after the Act came into force.
For 2014, the last date for filing returns was September 15 of that year. It was first extended till December 2014, then till April 30, 2015 and third extension was up to October 15. The date was, for the fourth time, has been extended to April 15, this year.

Employees have to give details like cash in hand, bank deposits, investment in bonds, debentures, shares and units in companies or mutual funds, insurance policies, provident fund, personal loans and advance given to any person or entity, among others.
All ministries, departments and cadre-controlling authorities are requested to kindly issue orders towards ensuring compliance with the rules by all officers and staff, said the DoPT order.