Ensuring Timely Submission of Immovable Property Returns (IPRs) for the Year 2024
Introduction: The Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA) has issued an important circular emphasizing the timely submission of Immovable Property Returns (IPRs) for the year 2024. This directive, addressed to all Principal Controllers of Defence Accounts (PCsDA), Integrated Financial Advisors (IFAs), Controllers of Defence Accounts (CsDA), and IDAS officers, underscores the necessity of adhering to the rules laid down under the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964.
Statutory Requirement Under CCS (Conduct) Rules: As per GID No. 22 of Rule 18 of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964, every Government servant holding a Group ‘A’ or ‘B’ post is mandated to submit their Immovable Property Return (IPR) in the prescribed format for each calendar year by 31st January of the following year. This long-standing rule ensures transparency and accountability among public servants.
Public Disclosure of IPRs: The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), through its notification F. No.11013/3/2011-Estt.(A) dated 23rd September 2013, has instructed all cadre controlling authorities to ensure that IPRs, submitted by officers, are placed in the public domain by 31st March each year. Furthermore, a consolidated report on Group ‘A’ services must be submitted to their respective Departments by 30th April annually.
Consequences of Non-Compliance: Failure to submit IPRs in time or furnishing false information can result in disciplinary action. This requirement is reinforced by GID No. 23 of Rule 18 of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964. Officers failing to comply with this mandate risk denial of Vigilance Clearance, exclusion from consideration for empanelment to senior-level posts, and their names being published on the DoPT website as defaulters.
Online Filing Through SPARROW Portal: To streamline and simplify the process, an online filing system for IPRs was introduced through the SPARROW (Smart Performance Appraisal Report Recording Online Window) portal in 2017. This online platform ensures accuracy, efficiency, and ease of submission, significantly reducing manual errors and delays.
Key Instructions for Officers:
All IPRs for the year 2024 onwards must be submitted exclusively through the SPARROW portal.
Officers must ensure timely submission by 31st January 2025.
Cadre controlling authorities must ensure compliance and initiate disciplinary proceedings against defaulters.
Role of Administrative Authorities: It is the responsibility of all administrative heads, including PCsDA, CsDA, and IFAs, to:
Communicate these guidelines to all officers under their command.
Ensure strict adherence to the deadlines.
Facilitate smooth implementation of the SPARROW portal for filing IPRs.
Significance of Vigilance Clearance and Transparency: The immovable property declaration serves as a vital tool in maintaining transparency and preventing unethical practices in public service. Denial of Vigilance Clearance not only impacts an officer's career progression but also reflects poorly on organizational governance.
Conclusion: The circular serves as a crucial reminder for all IDAS officers and concerned authorities to prioritize the timely submission of their Immovable Property Returns. Compliance with these directives is not just a statutory requirement but also an ethical responsibility. The adoption of technology through SPARROW reflects a significant step towards efficiency, transparency, and accountability in governance.
All officers are urged to treat this matter with utmost seriousness and ensure compliance within the stipulated timeline.
