Increase in purchase limit for electronic devices for central government officials

The central government has increased the price limit for the purchase of laptops, tablets, and other similar electronic devices for its officials. According to a Business Standard report, the Department of Expenditure of the Ministry of Finance issued new revised guidelines regarding this on 10 November. These new rules will replace the old guidelines issued in July 2023.

Under the new rules, the price limit for general devices has been set at ₹1.50 lakh plus taxes, while for devices with more than 40 percent 'Make in India' component, this limit has been kept up to ₹1.80 lakh plus taxes. Earlier in 2023, this limit was ₹1 lakh and ₹1.3 lakh respectively.

The eligibility of officials to avail of this facility has also been determined. According to the 7th Central Pay Commission, all government officials at Pay Level 12 and above will be considered eligible to receive these devices. For officials at Pay Level 8 to 11, only 50 percent of the total officials in the department will be able to get this facility. However, the Secretary of the concerned ministry or department, in consultation with the Financial Advisor, can increase this eligibility up to 75 percent based on functional requirements. Employees holding the rank of Section Officer and above will be able to get devices like laptops, tablets, notebooks, and ultra-books.

According to the new guidelines, the purchased device will be considered government property for four years. During this period, the official to whom the device has been issued will be personally responsible for its security and the confidentiality of the information contained therein. After the completion of the four-year period, the concerned official can keep the device. The cost of standard software coming with the device is also included in this price limit. It is noteworthy that the 2023 guidelines had a clear mention of the purchase of mobile devices, which is not seen in the Office Memorandum of 10 November.