IT Dept Reminded to Follow Service Conduct Rule Regarding Family Members

The Income Tax Department has reminded its officers and officials to comply with a service conduct rule addressing family members who are involved in business in the ‘ spirit of rule’. This is part of the alertness practice.

According to Rule 15(3) of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules 1964, “Every government employee shall report to the government if any member of his family is involved in a trade or business or owns or manages an insurance agency or commission agency.” However, after evaluating the continuing vigilance procedures against department officers/officials, the Directorate General of Income Tax (Vigilance) concluded that “there is an apparent lack of awareness among cadres regarding compliance with specific rules.” In light of this, the Department published a communication as part of its ‘preventive vigilance’ measures.

In addition, the rules define ‘Members of Family’ concerning a government employee. These include the wife or husband, whether or not they live with a government employee. A legally divorced or separated spouse, on the other hand, is not included in this description. Furthermore, the government servant’s son, daughter, stepson, or stepdaughter who is entirely reliant on him will be considered a family member.

According to the document, most officers/officials are generally unaware of the aforementioned specific rules. Those who are familiar with this rule take it to mean that if family members are engaged in business with their funds, they are not required to report under Rule 15 (3) of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964. “The same is not under the spirit of the law,” according to the communication.

As a result, it was reminded that every government employee should report to the government about family members who are engaged in a business or trade.

According to officials, such a ‘sensitization’ exercise assures there is no conflict of interest. They also stated that several other regulations apply to family members. One such rule is the ‘Employment of near relatives of Government servants in Companies or firms.’ It is stated here that no government employee shall directly or indirectly use his position or influence to acquire employment for any member of his family in any company or firm.

Furthermore, no Class One officer shall, unless previously sanctioned by the government, let his son, daughter, or other dependent accept work in any company or firm with which he has official transactions or in any other company or firm with which he has official relations.

Another section requires the government employee to notify the designated authorities as soon as he becomes aware of the acceptance of employment by a member of his family in any company or firm. She/he must also disclose whether or not he has had any official connections with that company or firm.