Rule 135 of The General Financial Rules 2017 General Rules for Works
Original Rule Text
Visual Summary
Governs initiation, authorization, and execution of works.
Regulated by specific departmental rules and special orders.
Empowered teams for large value project execution.
Executive Summary
Rule 135 of The General Financial Rules, 2017 outlines the general principles for the initiation, authorization, and execution of works within a Ministry or Department. It mandates adherence to departmental regulations and special orders. Furthermore, for large value projects, Ministries or Departments are encouraged to establish dedicated project teams focused solely on execution.
In-Depth Analysis of the Rule
Rule 135 serves as a foundational guideline for managing public works, ensuring that all stages from conception to completion are governed by established procedures.
Breakdown of the Rule
- Sub-rule (1) General Rules: This sub-rule establishes that the initiation, authorization, and execution of works assigned to a Ministry or Department must comply with general rules, including Rule 144 (Fundamental principles of public buying), and specific departmental regulations or special orders. This ensures a structured and legally compliant approach to all work-related activities.
- Sub-rule (2) Project Teams: This part emphasizes efficiency for large value projects by requiring Ministries or Departments to form empowered project teams. These teams are to be dedicated exclusively to project execution, preventing diversion of focus to other operational duties.
Practical Example
A Ministry planning a new infrastructure project, such as a national highway, must first ensure that the project’s initiation and authorization align with all relevant departmental regulations and the overarching General Financial Rules. For the actual construction phase, the Ministry would set up a dedicated project team, comprising engineers, financial experts, and project managers, whose sole responsibility would be to oversee the timely and efficient execution of the highway construction, adhering to the approved design and budget.
Related Provisions
Understanding Rule 135 is enhanced by examining these related provisions:
- Rule 144 of The General Financial Rules 2017 Fundamental Principles of Public Buying: Provides the overarching principles for all public procurement, including works.
- Rule 136 of The General Financial Rules 2017 Commencement and Liability for Works: Details the conditions that must be met before any work can commence or liability incurred.
- Rule 139 of The General Financial Rules 2017 Procedure for Execution of Works: Outlines the broad procedure for Ministries or Departments to execute works under their own arrangements.
Learning Aids
Mnemonics
- W.I.A.E.D.P.T.: Works Initiation, Authorization, Execution Departmental Project Teams.
Process Flowchart
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does Rule 135 (1) of the General Financial Rules, 2017 primarily regulate?
- A) Financial audits of completed projects
- B) Initiation, authorization, and execution of works
- C) Procurement of goods and services
- D) Budget allocation for new schemes
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B) Initiation, authorization, and execution of works
2. According to Rule 135 (1) of the General Financial Rules, 2017, the execution of works is regulated by which of the following?
- A) Only special orders from the Ministry of Finance
- B) Departmental regulations and other special orders
- C) International financial standards
- D) Ad-hoc decisions of the project manager
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B) Departmental regulations and other special orders
3. For large value projects, Rule 135 (2) of the General Financial Rules, 2017 mandates Ministries or Departments to put in place:
- A) External audit committees
- B) Empowered project teams
- C) Joint ventures with private entities
- D) Monthly financial reporting systems
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B) Empowered project teams
4. The primary task of the empowered project teams mentioned in Rule 135 (2) of the General Financial Rules, 2017 is:
- A) Policy formulation and strategic planning
- B) Operational duties and administrative tasks
- C) Project execution only
- D) Inter-departmental coordination
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C) Project execution only
5. Rule 135 of the General Financial Rules, 2017 applies to works allotted to:
- A) Only private contractors
- B) Only state governments
- C) A particular Ministry or Department
- D) International organizations
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C) A particular Ministry or Department
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of Rule 135 of the General Financial Rules, 2017?
Rule 135 establishes the general principles for how works are initiated, authorized, and executed within a Central Government Ministry or Department, ensuring adherence to established regulations.
Does Rule 135 of the General Financial Rules, 2017 require special teams for all projects?
No, Rule 135 (2) specifically states that empowered project teams should be put in place “as far as possible” for “large value projects” and tasked “only with project execution.”
What other rules are relevant to Rule 135 of the General Financial Rules, 2017?
Rule 144, which outlines fundamental principles of public buying, and Rule 136, which details conditions for commencing works, are closely related provisions.
Key Takeaways
- Rule 135 governs the initiation, authorization, and execution of works within Ministries/Departments.
- Works must adhere to general rules (like Rule 144) and specific departmental regulations.
- Large value projects require dedicated, empowered project teams focused solely on execution.
- The rule aims to ensure structured, compliant, and efficient management of public works.
Conclusion
Rule 135 of The General Financial Rules, 2017 provides essential guidelines for the systematic and accountable management of public works. By emphasizing adherence to regulations and the strategic deployment of dedicated project teams, it aims to ensure efficiency, transparency, and proper execution of projects across government Ministries and Departments.