The Uttar Pradesh Government has taken a significant step to support Home Guards volunteers enlisted for duty during the upcoming Lok Sabha Election 2024. The government has approved the advance payment of duty allowances for these volunteers. This initiative aims to provide financial relief to Home Guards as they prepare to fulfill their electoral duties effectively.
Under this new scheme, 40 percent of the amount earmarked for duty allowances will be disbursed in advance to Home Guards deployed for election duty. The decision comes as a benifit for these volunteers, empowering them to address their familial obligations before embarking on their electoral responsibilities.
Home Guards play a pivotal role in ensuring security during sensitive situations, including general elections, alongside traditional security forces. Despite not wielding weapons, this force demonstrates excellence in maintaining external security. Consequently, they are routinely entrusted with election duties, both in their home districts and beyond.
The Minister of the Home Guard Department has announced plans to deploy approximately 50,000 Home Guards for election duty across various phases of the Lok Sabha general elections.
In alignment with this announcement, the Home Guards Department proposed the provision of advance payments for these volunteers.
The government has already sanctioned a substantial amount of Rs 2634 crore 39 lakh under the income expenditure for the financial year 2024-25. Now, the approval has been granted to transfer 40 percent of this sum in advance to the bank accounts of Home Guards assigned to election duty.
However, the government has outlined certain conditions pertaining to the utilization of these advance payments. As per the Financial Rules Collection, government employees or officers responsible for withdrawing the funds will be held accountable for its management.
Moreover, the Head of the Department must keep the Government/Finance Department informed about the disbursement of both previously approved advances and the advances currently sanctioned.
In addition, the HOD will be required to take necessary action regarding any interest liabilities, as outlined in the Procurement Manual. However, the sanctioned amount must be maintained exclusively in the State GeM Pool Account, as specified by the government.
The Uttar Pradesh Government’s decision to provide advance payments to Home Guards underscores its commitment to supporting frontline personnel tasked with ensuring the smooth conduct of elections.
This initiative not only recognizes the crucial role played by Home Guards in maintaining law and order but also seeks to alleviate their financial burdens, enabling them to discharge their duties with diligence and dedication.
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