Rule 134 of The General Financial Rules 2017 Public Works Departments Administrative Control
Original Rule Text
Visual Summary
Works not assigned to specific Ministries/Departments.
Funding source for these unallotted projects.
Central Public Works Department manages these projects.
Executive Summary
Rule 134 of the General Financial Rules, 2017, clarifies the administrative and financial framework for works that are not specifically assigned to any particular Ministry or Department. Such unallotted works are to be funded through the Grants for Civil Works and are exclusively administered by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD). A key stipulation is the prohibition of mixed funding, meaning these projects cannot be partly financed by a departmental budget and partly by the Civil Works budget, ensuring clear accountability and resource allocation.
In-Depth Analysis of the Rule
Rule 134 provides crucial guidance for the management of government works that do not fall under the direct purview of a specific Ministry or Department. This ensures that all public works, regardless of their initial allocation status, have a designated administrative body and a clear funding mechanism.
Breakdown of the Rule:
- Scope of Application: The rule specifically applies to “Works not specifically allotted to any Ministry or Department.” This addresses projects that might otherwise lack clear ownership or administrative oversight.
- Funding Mechanism: These unallotted works “shall be included in the Grants for Civil Works.” This centralizes the funding for such projects under a dedicated budget head, streamlining financial management.
- Administrative Authority: The responsibility for administering these works is explicitly assigned to the “Central Public Works Department (CPWD).” This ensures expert management and execution by a specialized public works organization.
- Prohibition of Mixed Financing: A critical provision states, “No such work may be financed partly from funds provided in departmental budget and partly from the budget for Civil works.” This prevents ambiguity in funding sources, enhances financial discipline, and avoids potential conflicts or inefficiencies arising from fragmented budgetary control.
Practical Example:
Imagine a new public park development project initiated by the government that doesn’t fall squarely within the mandate of a single Ministry (e.g., Urban Development, Environment, or Culture). According to Rule 134 of the General Financial Rules, 2017, this project would be included in the Grants for Civil Works. The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) would then be responsible for its administration, from planning and tendering to execution and oversight. Furthermore, the funding for this park cannot be split, for instance, with 30% from the Ministry of Urban Development’s budget and 70% from the Civil Works Grants; it must be entirely financed from the Grants for Civil Works, ensuring a unified financial approach.
Related Provisions
Understanding Rule 134 is enhanced by examining related provisions concerning the execution and sanction of works:
- Rule 133 of The General Financial Rules 2017 Execution of Works by Ministries or Public Works Organizations: This rule outlines how Ministries or Departments can directly execute repair works or assign original/minor works to Public Works Organisations, providing context for works that *are* specifically allotted.
- Rule 135 of The General Financial Rules 2017 General Rules for Works Initiation and Execution: This rule lays down the general principles for the initiation, authorization, and execution of works allotted to a particular Ministry or Department, complementing Rule 134 by covering the broader framework for works management.
Learning Aids
Mnemonics:
- CPWD: Central Public Works Department Administers Unallotted Funding Restrictions.
Process Flowchart:
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. According to Rule 134 of the General Financial Rules, 2017, which department is responsible for administering works not specifically allotted to any Ministry or Department?
- A) The Ministry of Finance
- B) The State Public Works Department
- C) The Central Public Works Department (CPWD)
- D) The concerned Administrative Ministry
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C) The Central Public Works Department (CPWD)
2. Under Rule 134 of the General Financial Rules, 2017, how are works not specifically allotted to any Ministry or Department primarily financed?
- A) Through special ad-hoc grants from the Ministry of Finance
- B) By including them in the Grants for Civil Works
- C) Directly from the Contingency Fund of India
- D) Through contributions from State Governments
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B) By including them in the Grants for Civil Works
3. Rule 134 of the General Financial Rules, 2017, explicitly prohibits which of the following funding arrangements for works under its scope?
- A) Funding entirely from the Grants for Civil Works
- B) Financing partly from a departmental budget and partly from the Civil Works budget
- C) Utilizing funds from external aid agencies
- D) Seeking supplementary grants from Parliament
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B) Financing partly from a departmental budget and partly from the Civil Works budget
4. What is the primary characteristic of works covered by Rule 134 of the General Financial Rules, 2017?
- A) They are high-value infrastructure projects.
- B) They are specifically allotted to a particular Ministry or Department.
- C) They are not specifically allotted to any Ministry or Department.
- D) They are exclusively repair works.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C) They are not specifically allotted to any Ministry or Department.
5. The purpose of Rule 134 of the General Financial Rules, 2017, is to ensure:
- A) Decentralized control over all government works.
- B) That all works are funded solely by individual departmental budgets.
- C) Clear administrative and financial accountability for unallotted government works.
- D) Flexible funding options for all public projects.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C) Clear administrative and financial accountability for unallotted government works.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of works does Rule 134 of the General Financial Rules, 2017, apply to?
Rule 134 applies to works that are not specifically allotted to any particular Ministry or Department of the Central Government. These are projects that do not have a clear administrative home initially.
Who is responsible for administering these unallotted works under Rule 134?
The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) is explicitly designated to administer all such works that are not specifically allotted to any Ministry or Department.
Can works covered by Rule 134 be funded from a combination of departmental and civil works budgets?
No, Rule 134 strictly prohibits mixed funding. These works cannot be financed partly from a departmental budget and partly from the budget for Civil Works; they must be entirely included in the Grants for Civil Works.
Key Takeaways
- Rule 134 governs government works that lack specific departmental allocation.
- These works are funded exclusively through the Grants for Civil Works.
- The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) is the sole administrative authority for such projects.
- Mixed funding from departmental and Civil Works budgets is strictly prohibited to ensure clear financial accountability.
Conclusion
Rule 134 of the General Financial Rules, 2017, plays a vital role in ensuring systematic and accountable management of public works that might otherwise fall through the cracks of departmental responsibilities. By centralizing their funding under Civil Works Grants and assigning their administration to the CPWD, the rule establishes a clear framework, preventing ambiguity and promoting efficient execution of projects essential for public welfare. The strict prohibition on mixed funding further reinforces financial discipline, making this rule a cornerstone for transparent governance in public works.