The Government has come up with new guidelines for government officers who will now have to sign a declaration before being associated with an NGO.
Besides, they need to mention that the proposed emoluments and pecuniary benefits being offered to them are in conformity with the industry standards.
The new rules, which are applicable to officers of Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), among others, also cut the period to one year from two years for seeking prior permission from the government for taking up any commercial job.
The move assumes significance as government has been taking action against thousands of NGOs for violating norms. Few among them have been charged for carrying out activities which allegedly hampered country’s economic growth.
“The organisation in which I am seeking employment is not involved in activities which are in conflict with or prejudicial to India’s foreign relations, national security and domestic harmony. The organisation is not undertaking any activity for intelligence gathering,” the officers need to declare in a revised application.
“The employment, which I propose to take up also will not entail activities which are in conflict with or involve activities prejudicial to India’s foreign relations, national security and domestic harmony,” reads the application.
Pensioners need to affirm that they have not been privy to sensitive or strategic information in the last three years of service, which is directly related to the areas of interest or work of the organisation that they propose to join or to the areas in which they propose to practise or consult.
“My service record is clear, particularly with respect to integrity and dealings with non-government organisations (NGOs). The proposed emoluments and pecuniary benefits are in conformity with the industry standards,” reads the declaration to be done by an applicant mandatorily, while seeking the nod.
The application form carrying new declaration has been recently revised by Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
