The central government has issued a stern directive to all Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers across the country, mandating the timely submission of their annual Immovable Property Returns (IPR). The warning comes with a clear deadline and the threat of serious consequences for those who fail to comply.
Strict Deadline and Clear Instructions
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), which functions under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, is the nodal authority that has circulated this order. According to the directive, every IAS officer is required to file a detailed return of their immovable property for the calendar year 2023. The submission must be completed electronically through a dedicated online portal by June 30, 2024.
The instruction is not a new request but a reinforcement of an existing rule under the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968. The DoPT has emphasized that this annual exercise is a critical component of maintaining transparency and accountability among the country's top bureaucrats. The property details that must be declared include all assets owned by the officer, their spouse, and any dependent children.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
The government's communication leaves no room for ambiguity regarding the penalties for missing the deadline. Officers who fail to submit their IPR by the stipulated date will face disciplinary proceedings. Furthermore, the DoPT has explicitly stated that it will instruct the Ministry of Finance to withhold the salary of any defaulting officer until the necessary documentation is filed.
This move underscores the administration's zero-tolerance policy towards lapses in mandatory disclosures by its senior-most civil servants. The enforcement action is designed to ensure strict adherence to the code of conduct and to uphold the integrity of public service.
Broader Context and Significance
The directive to IAS officers is part of a larger framework of checks and balances within the Indian bureaucracy. The filing of Immovable Property Returns is a long-standing practice intended to deter corruption and illicit enrichment by creating a verifiable record of an officer's assets over their career.
By setting a hard deadline and attaching tangible penalties, the Centre aims to eliminate delays and casual attitudes towards this crucial compliance. The order applies uniformly to all IAS officers, regardless of their cadre or posting, whether they are serving in state governments or under the central government.
This step is seen as a significant effort to strengthen administrative accountability and promote a culture of probity among government servants who hold positions of considerable power and influence. The public disclosure of assets, though not detailed in this specific order, often follows such filings, enhancing public trust in the system.
