Conduct Rules

In exercise of the powers conferred by the proviso to article 309 and clause (5) of article 148 of the Constitution and after consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General in relation to persons serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department, the President hereby makes the following rules:

Short Title, Commencement and Application (Rule 1)

1. These rules may be called the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964.
2. They shall come into force at once.
3. Save as otherwise provided in these rules and subject to the provisions of the Indian Foreign Service (Conduct and Discipline) Rules, 1961, these rules shall apply to every person appointed to a civil service or post (including a civilian in Defence Service) in connection with the affairs of the Union:

Provided that nothing in these rules shall apply to any government servant who is

1. a railway servant as defined in Section 3 of the Indian Railways Act, 1890 (9 of 1890);
2. a person holding a post in the Railway Board and is subject to the Railway Services (Conduct) Rules;
3. holding any post under the administrative control of the Railway Board or of the Financial Commissioner of Railways;
4. a member of an All India Service;
5. a holder of any post in respect of which the President has, by a general or special order, directed that these rules shall not apply:

Provided further that Rules 4,6,7,12,14, sub-rule (3) of Rule 15, Rule 16, sub-rules (1), (3) and (4) of Rule 18, Rules 19, 20 and 21 shall not apply to any government servant who draws a pay which does not exceed Rs.500 per month and holds a non-gazetted post in any of the following establishments, owned or managed by the Government, namely:-

1. ports, docks, wharves or jetties;
2. defence installations except training establishments;
3. public works establishments, in so far as they relate to work-charged staff;
4. irrigation and electric power establishments; (v) mines as defined in clause (j) of Section 2 of the Mines Act, 1952 (35 of 1952);
5. factories as defined in clause (m) of Section 2 of the Factories Act, 1948 (63 of 1948); and
6. field units of the Central Tractor Organisation employing workmen governed by labour laws:

Provided further that these rules shall apply to any person temporarily transferred to a service or post specified in clause (a) of the first proviso to whom but for such transfer these rules would have otherwise applied.

Note

For the purposes of the second proviso, the expression establishment shall not include any railway establishment or any office mainly concerned with administrative, managerial, supervisory, security or welfare functions.

Definitions (Rule 2)

In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. The Government means the Central Government;
2. government servant means any person appointed by Government to any civil service or post in connection with the affairs of the Union and includes a civilian in a Defence Service;

Note

A government servant whose services are placed at the disposal of a company, corporation, organisation or a local authority by the Government shall, for the purpose of these rules, be deemed to be a government servant serving under the Government notwithstanding that his salary is drawn from sources other than the Consolidated Fund of India.

3. Members of family in relation to a government servant includes:
   1. the wife or husband as the case may be, of the government servant, whether residing with the government servant or not but does not include a wife or husband, as the case may be, separated from the government servant by a decree or order of a competent Court;
   2. son or daughter or step-son or step-daughter of the government servant and wholly dependent on him, but does not include a child or step-child who is no longer in any way dependent on the government servant or of whose custody the government servant has been deprived by or under any law;
   3. any other person related, whether by blood or marriage to the government servant or to the government servant’s wife or husband, and wholly dependent on the government servant.

General (Rule 3)

1. Every government servant shall at all times:
   1. maintain absolute integrity;
   2. maintain devotion to duty;
   3. do nothing which is unbecoming of a government servant.
   4. commit himself to and uphold the supremacy of the Constitution and democratic values;
   5. defend and uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, public order, decency and morality;
   6. maintain high ethical standards and honesty;
   7. maintain political neutrality;
   8. promote the principles of merit, fairness and impartiality in the discharge of duties;
   9. maintain accountability and transparency;
   10. maintain responsiveness to the public, particularly to the weaker section;
   11. maintain courtesy and good behaviour with the public;
   12. take decisions solely in public interest and use or cause to use public resources efficiently, effectively and economically;
   13. declare any private interests relating to his public duties and take steps to resolve any conflicts in a way that protects the public interest;
   14. not place himself under any financial or other obligations to any individual or organisation which may influence him in the performance of his official duties;
   15. not misuse his position as civil servant and not take decisions in order to derive financial or material benefits for himself, his family or his friends;
   16. make choices, take decisions and make recommendations on merit alone;
   17. act with fairness and impartiality and not discriminate against anyone, particularly the poor and the under-privileged sections of society;
   18. refrain from doing anything which is or may be contrary to any law, rules, regulations and established practices;
   19. maintain discipline in the discharge of his duties and be liable to implement the lawful orders duly communicated to him;
   20. maintain confidentiality in the performance of his official duties as required by any laws for the time being in force, particularly with regard to information, disclosure of which may prejudicially affect the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, strategic, scientific or economic interests of the State, friendly relation with foreign countries or lead to incitement of an offence or illegal or unlawful gain to any person;
   21. perform and discharge his duties with the highest degree of professionalism and dedication to the best of his abilities.
2. Every government servant holding a supervisory post shall take all possible steps to ensure the integrity and devotion to duty of all government servants for the time being under his control and authority;
3. No government servant shall, in the performance of his official duties, or in the exercise of powers conferred on him, act otherwise than in his best judgement except when he is acting under the direction of his official superior;
4. The direction of the official superior shall ordinarily be in writing. Oral direction to subordinates shall be avoided, as far as possible. Where the issue of oral direction becomes unavoidable, the official superior shall confirm it in writing immediately thereafter;
5. A government servant who has received oral direction from his official superior shall seek confirmation of the same in writing as early as possible, whereupon it shall be the duty of the official superior to confirm the direction in writing.
6. Every government servant do not:
   1. make joint representations in matters of common interest.
   2. indulge in acts unbecoming of a government servant.
   3. be discourteous, dishonest and partial.
   4. adopt dilatory tactics in your dealings with the public.
   5. convey oral instructions to subordinates. If done for unavoidable reasons, confirm them in writing as soon as possible.
   6. practise untouchability.
   7. associate yourself with banned organisations.
   8. join any association or demonstration whose objects or activities are prejudicial to the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, public order or morality.
   9. give expression to views on Indian or foreign affairs, while visiting foreign countries.
   10. get involved in unauthorised communication of any official document or any part thereof or classified information to any government servant or any other persons to whom you are not authorised to communicate such document or classified information.
   11. join or support any illegal strike.
   12. enter into any private correspondence with foreign embassies or missions/ high commissions.
   13. accept lavish or frequent hospitality from any individual, industrial or commercial firms, organisations, etc., having official dealings with you.
   14. accept any offer of the cost of passage to foreign countries or hospitality by way of free board and lodging there, if such offers are from foreign firms contracting with the Government.
   15. accept invitations to you and members of your family for free inaugural flights offered by Air India, Indian Airlines Corporation or Foreign Airliners.
   16. give or take or abet giving or taking of dowry or demand any dowry directly or indirectly from the parent or guardian of a bride or bridegroom.
   17. accept any gift from any foreign firm which is having official dealings.
   18. engage yourself in the canvassing business of life insurance agencies, commission agencies or advertising agencies owned or managed by the members of your family.
   19. lend money to or borrow money from or deposit money as a member or agent, with any person, firm or private company with whom you are likely to have official dealings. Do not otherwise place yourself under pecuniary obligation with such person, firm or private company.
   20. approach your subordinates for standing surety for loans taken, from private sources either by you, your relations or friends.
   21. undertake private consultancy work.
   22. speculate in any stock, share or other investment.
   23. purchase shares out of the quota reserved for friends and associates of Directors of companies.
   24. bid at any auction of property where such auction is arranged by your own officers.
   25. stay as guests with foreign diplomats or foreign nationals in India.
   26. invite any foreign diplomat to stay with you as your guest in India.
   27. accept or permit your wife or dependents to accept passage money or free air transport from a foreign mission, government or organisation.
   28. bring any political influence in matters pertaining to your service.
   29. consume any intoxicating drinks or drugs while on duty.
   30. appear in public places in a state of intoxication.
   31. indulge in any act of sexual harassment of any woman at her work place.
   32. employ children below 14 years of age.
   33. accept awards of monetary benefits instituted by private trusts, foundations, etc.
   34. address the higher authority prematurely on the same issue unless it is established that all the points or submissions made earlier have not been fully considered by the immediate superior or head of office or any other authority at the lowest level competent to deal with that matter.
   35. use your official position or influence directly or indirectly to secure employment for any member of your family in any company or firm.
   36. place yourself under any financial or other obligations to any individual or organisation which may influence you in the performance of your official duties.
   37. misuse your position as a civil servant and take decisions in order to derive financial or material benefits for yourself, your family or your friends.
7. The acts, conducts and commissions of a government servant amount to misconduct:
   1. If the act or conduct is prejudicial or likely to be prejudicial to the interests of the master or to the reputation of the master.
   2. If the act or conduct is inconsistent or incompatible with the due or peaceful discharge of his duty to his master.
   3. If the act or conduct of a servant makes it unsafe for the employer to retain him in service.
   4. If the act or conduct of the servant is so grossly immoral that all reasonable men will say that the employee cannot be trusted.
   5. If the act or conduct of the employee is such that the master cannot rely on the faithfulness of his employee.
   6. If the act or conduct of the employee is such as to open before him temptations for not discharging his duties properly.
   7. If the servant is abusive or if he disturbs the peace at the place of his employment.
   8. If he is insulting and insubordinate to such a degree as to be incompatible with the continuance of the relation of master and servant.
   9. If the servant is habitually, negligent in respect of the duties for which he is engaged.
   10. If the neglect of the servant, though isolated, tends to cause serious consequences.
   11. Wilful insubordination or disobedience, whether alone or in combination with others, to any lawful and reasonable order of a superior.
   12. Infidelity, unfaithfulness, dishonesty, untrustworthiness, theft and fraud, or dishonesty in connection with the employer’s business or property.
   13. Strike, picketing, gherao, striking work or inciting others to strike work in contravention of the provisions of any law, or rule having the force of law.
   14. Gross moral misconduct, acts subversive of discipline, righteous or disorderly behaviour during, working hours at the establishment or any act subversive of discipline.
   15. Riotous and disorderly behaviour during and after the office hours or in office premises.
   16. Habitual late attendance.
   17. Negligence or neglect of work or duty amounting to misconduct.
   18. Habitual negligence or neglect of work.
   19. Habitual absence without permission and overstaying leave.
   20. Conviction by a Criminal Court.

Note

A government servant who habitually fails to perform the task assigned to him within the time set for the purpose and with the quality of performance expected to him shall be deemed to be lacking in devotion to duty within the meaning the cause (2) of sub-rule (1).

Nothing in clause (3) shall be construed as empowering a government servant to evade his responsibilities by seeking instructions from, or approval of, a superior officer or authority when such instructions are not necessary under the scheme of distribution of powers and responsibilities.

Promptness and Courtesy (Rule 3A)

No government servant shall:

1. in the performance of his official duties, act in a discourteous manner;
2. in his official dealings with the public or otherwise adopt dilatory tactics or wilfully cause delays in disposal of the work assigned to him.

Observance of Government’s Policies (Rule 3B)

Every government servant shall, at all times:

1. act in accordance with the Government’s policies regarding age of marriage, preservation of environment, protection of wildlife and cultural heritage;
2. observe the Government’s policies regarding prevention of crime against women

Prohibition of Sexual Harassment of Working Women (Rule 3C)

1. No government servant shall indulge in any act of sexual harassment of any woman at any work place.
2. Every government servant who is incharge of a work place shall take appropriate steps to prevent sexual harassment to any woman at the work place.
3. An online complaint management system titled Sexual Harassment electronic-Box (SHe-Box) has been launched. Complaints filed in SHe-Box will be sent directly to the Internal Complaint Committee of the Ministry/ Department/ PSU / AB concerned, which has the jurisdiction to inquire into the complaint. Progress of inquiry can also be monitored.
4. The victims of sexual harassment have the option to seek transfer of the perpetrator or their own transfer.
5. It is clarified that there is no bar either in the CCS (CCA) Rules or under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 to the Chairperson of the Complaints Committee being junior to the suspect officer or the charged officer.

Explanation

1. Sexual harassment includes any one or more of the following acts or behaviour (whether directly or by implication) namely:
   1. physical contact and advances; or
   2. a demand or request for sexual favours; or
   3. making sexually coloured remarks; or
   4. showing pornography; or
   5. any other unwelcome physical, verbal, non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature.
2. The following circumstances, among other circumstances, if it occurs or is present in relation to or connected with any act or behaviour of sexual harassment may amount to sexual harassment:
   1. implied or explicit promise of preferential treatment in employment; or
   2. implied or explicit threat of detrimental treatment in employment; or
   3. implied or explicit threat about her present or future employment status; or
   4. interference with her work or creating an intimidating or offensive or hostile work environment for her; or
   5. humiliating treatment likely to affect her health or safety.
3. Workplace includes:
   1. any department, organisation, undertaking, establishment, enterprise, institution, office, branch or unit which is established, owned, controlled or wholly or substantially financed by funds provided directly or indirectly by the Central Government;
   2. hospitals or nursing homes;
   3. any sports institute, stadium, sports complex or competition or games venue, whether residential or not used for training, sports or other activities relating thereto;
   4. any place visited by the employee arising out of or during the course of employment including transportation provided by the employer for undertaking such journey;
   5. a dwelling place or a house.
4. Aggrieved women means:
   1. in relation to a workplace, a woman, of any age whether employed or not, who alleges to have been subjected to any act of sexual harassment by the respondent; or
   2. in relation to dwelling place or house, a woman of any age who is employed in such a dwelling place or house.

Steps for Conduct of Inquiry in Complaints of Sexual Harassment

Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) is to be set up at every workplace, headed by a woman having at least half of its members being women. To prevent the possibility of any undue pressure or influence from senior levels, such Complaints Committees should involve a third party, either an NGO or some other body which is familiar with the issue of sexual harassment.

The committee will have the powers to recommend:

1. to transfer the aggrieved woman or the charged officer to another workplace; or
2. to grant leave to the aggrieved woman up to a period of three months. The leave will not be deducted from her leave account.

The complaints committee inquiring into such complaints shall be deemed to be the Inquiring authority appointed by the Disciplinary authority and shall hold the inquiry as far as practicable in accordance with the procedure laid down in the Rule 14 of CCA (CCS) rules.

As per Section 9 (1) of the Act the aggrieved woman or complainant is required to make a complaint within three months of the incident and in case there has been a series of incidents, three months of the last incident. The Complaints Committee may however extend the time limit for reasons to be recorded in writing, if it is satisfied that the circumstances were such which prevented the complainant from filing a complaint within the stipulated period.

On receipt of a complaint, facts of the allegation are required to be verified. This is called preliminary enquiry/ fact-finding enquiry or investigation. The Complaints committee conducts the investigation. They may then try to ascertain the truth of the allegations by collecting the documentary evidence as well as recording statements of any possible witnesses including the complainant. If it becomes necessary to issue a charge sheet, Disciplinary authority relies on the investigation for drafting the imputations, as well as for evidence by which the charges are to be proved. Therefore, this is a very important part of the investigation.

The Complaints committee would normally be involved at two stages, as:

1. The first stage is the investigation already discussed in the preceding para.
2. The second stage is, when they act as Inquiring Authority.

It is necessary that the two roles are clearly understood and the inquiry is conducted as far as practicable as per Rule 14 of CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965. Failure to observe the procedure may result in the inquiry getting vitiated.

The Complaints Committee when investigating the allegations should make recommendations on whether there is a prima facie substance in the allegations which calls for conducting a formal inquiry. They should avoid making any judgmental recommendations or expressing views which may be construed to have prejudiced their views while conducting such inquiry.

On receipt of the investigation report, the Disciplinary authority should examine the report with a view to see as to whether a formal charge sheet needs to be issued to the Charged officer. As per Rule 14 (5), a decision on conducting the inquiry has to be taken after consideration of the reply of the Charged officer.

If the Charged officer admits the charges clearly and unconditionally, there will be no need for a formal inquiry against him and further action may be taken as per Rule 15 of the CCS (CCA) Rules. If the Charged officer denies the charges, formal inquiry is then conducted.

The Complaints committee would, thereafter, summon the Presenting officer and the Charged officer. The Charged officer is also entitled to engage a Defence assistant.

Examination and cross-examination of witnesses are done. The Inquiring authority would also maintain a document called the Daily Order sheet. Defence evidence would be taken. Both the Presenting officer and the Charged officer may be allowed reasonable time for submission of their brief.Inquiry report is then submitted by the Complaints committee along with their recommendations.

Guidelines Regarding Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at the Work Place

In cases of allegations of Sexual Harassment, the following procedure shall be adopted:

1. Where a Complaint committee has not recommended any action against the employee against whom the allegations have been made in a case involving allegations of sexual harassment, the Disciplinary authority shall supply a copy of the report of the Complaint committee to the complainant and shall consider her representation, if any submitted, before coming to a final conclusion. The representation shall be deemed to be an appeal under Section 18 (1) of the Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (GID (25(G)), Rule 3(C)).
2. All Ministries/Departments shall include in their Annual Reports information related to the number of such cases and their disposal.
3. The inquiry in the cases should be completed within 1 month and in no case it should take more than 90 days as per the limit prescribed under this Act.
4. For a period of five years after a decision in a proven case of sexual harassment, a watch should be kept to ensure that she is not subjected to vendetta. She should not be posted under the Respondent, or any other person where there may be a reasonable ground to believe that she may be subjected to harassment on this account. In case of any victimisation, the complainant may submit a representation to the Head of the Organization. The representations should be dealt with sensitivity, in consultation with the Complaints Committee and a decision taken within 15 days of the submission of the same.

Employment of Near Relatives of Government Servant in Companies or Firms (Rule 4)

1. No government servant shall use his position or influence directly or indirectly to secure employment for any member of his family in any company or firm;

2. No Group A officer shall, except with the previous sanction of the Government, permit his son, daughter or other dependant, to accept employment in any company or firm with which he has official dealings or in any other company or firm having official dealings with the Government:

   Provided that, where the acceptance of the employment cannot await prior permission of the Government or is otherwise considered urgent, the matter shall be reported to the Government; and the employment may be accepted provisionally subject to the permission of the Government.

3. A government servant shall, as soon as he becomes aware of the acceptance by a member of his family of an employment in any company or firm, intimate such acceptance to the prescribed authority and shall also intimate whether he has or has had any official dealings with that company or firm:

   Provided that no such intimation shall be necessary in the case of a Group A officer if he has already obtained the sanction of, or sent a report to the Government under clause 2.

4. No government servant shall in the discharge of his official duties deal with any matter or give or sanction any contract to any company or firm or any other person if any member of his family is employed in that company or firm or under that person or if he or any member of his family is interested in such matter or contract in any other manner and the government servant shall refer every such matter or contract to his official superior and the matter or contract shall thereafter be disposed of according to the instructions of the authority to whom the reference is made.

Taking Part in Politics and Elections (Rule 5)

1. No government servant shall be a member of, or be otherwise associated with, any political party or any organisation which takes part in politics nor shall he take part in, subscribe in aid of, or assist in any other manner, any political movement or activity.
2. It shall be the duty of every government servant to endeavour to prevent any member of his family from taking part in, subscribing in aid of, or assisting in any other manner any movement or activity which is, or tends directly or indirectly to be, subversive of the Government as by law established and where a government servant is unable to prevent a member of his family from taking part in, or subscribing in aid of , or assisting in any other manner, any such movement or activity, he shall make a report to that effect to the Government.
3. If any question arises whether a party is a political party or whether any organisation takes part in politics or whether any movement or activity falls within the scope of sub-rule (2), the decision of the Government thereon shall be final.
4. No government servant shall canvass or otherwise interfere with, or use his influence in connection with or take part in an election to any legislature or local authority:

Provided that:

1. a government servant qualified to vote at such election may exercise his right to vote, but where he does so, he shall give no indication of the manner in which he proposes to vote or has voted;
2. a government servant shall not be deemed to have contravened the provisions of this sub-rule by reason only that he assists in the conduct of an election in the due performance of a duty imposed on him by or under any law for the time being in force.

Note

The display by a government servant on his person, vehicle or residence of any electoral symbol shall amount to using his influence in connection with an election within the meaning of this sub-rule.

Joining of Associations by Government Servants (Rule 6)

No government servant shall join or continue to be a member of, an association the objects or activities of which are prejudicial to the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, or public order or morality.

Demonstration and Strikes (Rule 7)

No government servant shall:

1. engage himself or participate in any demonstration which is prejudicial to the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the state, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, or which involves contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence; or
2. resort to or in any way encourage any form of strike coercion or physical duress in connection with any matter pertaining to his service or the service of any other government servant.

Connection with Press or Other Media

No government servant shall:

1. except with the previous sanction of the Government, own wholly or in part, or conduct or participate in the editing or management of, any newspaper or other periodical publication or electronic media.
2. Nothing in sub-rule (1) shall apply in case a government servant in the bonafide discharge of his official duties publishes a book or participates in a public media.
3. A government servant publishing a book or participating in a public media shall at all times make it clear that the views expressed by him are his own and not that of the Government.

Criticism of Government (Rule 9)

No government servant shall in any radio broadcast, telecast through any electronic media or in any document published in his own name or anonymously, pseudonymously or in the name of any other person or in any communication to the press or in any public utterance, make any statement of fact or opinion:

1. which has the effect of an adverse criticism of any current or recent policy or action of the Central Government or a State Government:

   Provided that in the case of any government servant included in any category of government servants specified in the second proviso to sub-rule (3) of rule 1, nothing contained in this clause shall apply to bonafide expression of views by him as an office-bearer of a trade union or association of government servants for the purpose of safeguarding the conditions of service of such government servants or for securing an improvement thereof; or

2. which is capable of embarrassing the relations between the Central Government and the Government of any State; or

3. which is capable of embarrassing the relations between the Central Government and the Government of any foreign State;

   Provided that nothing in this rule shall apply to any statements made or views expressed by a government servant in his official capacity or in the due performance of the duties assigned to him.

Evidence Before Committee or Any Other Authority (Rule 10)

1. Save as provided in sub-rule (3), no government servant shall, except with the previous sanction of the Government, give evidence in connection with any enquiry conducted by any person, committee or authority.
2. Where any sanction has been accorded under sub-rule (1), no government servant giving such evidence shall criticise the policy or any action of the Central Government or of a State Government.
3. Nothing in this rule shall apply to:
   1. evidence given at an enquiry before an authority appointed by the Government, Parliament or a State Legislature; or
   2. evidence given in any judicial enquiry; or
   3. evidence given at any departmental enquiry ordered by authorities subordinate to the Government.

Communication of Official Information (Rule 11)

Every government servant shall in performance of his duties in good faith, communicate information to a person in accordance with the Right to Information Act, 2005 and the rules made thereunder:

Provided that no government servant shall, except in accordance with any general or special order of the Government or in performance in good faith of the duties assigned to him, communicate, directly or indirectly, any official document or any part thereof or classified information to any government servant or any other person to whom he is no authorised to communicate such document or classified information.

Subscriptions (Rule 12)

No government servant shall, except with the previous sanction of the Government or of the prescribed authority, ask for or accept contributions to, or otherwise associate himself with the raising of, any funds or other collections in cash or in kind in pursuance of any object whatsoever.

Gifts (Rule 13)

1. Save as provided in these rules, no government servant shall accept, or permit any member of his family or any other person acting on his behalf to accept, any gift.
2. On occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, funerals or religious functions, when the making of gift is in conformity with the prevailing religious and social practice, a government servant may accept gifts from his near relatives or from his personal friends having no official dealings with him, but shall make a report to the Government, if the value of such gift exceeds;
   1. rupees twenty five thousand in the case of a government servant holding any Group A post;
   2. rupees fifteen thousand in the case of a government servant holding any Group B post;
   3. rupees seven thousand five hundred in the case of a government servant holding any Group C post; and
3. In any other case of a government servant shall not accept any gift without sanction of the Government if the value thereof exceeds:
   1. rupees one thousand five hundred in the case of a government servant holding any Group A or Group B post; and
   2. rupees five hundred in the case of a government servant holding any Group C or Group D post.
4. Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-rules (2), and (3) a government servant, being a member of the Indian delegation or otherwise, may receive and retain gifts from foreign dignitaries if the market value of gifts received on one occasion does not exceed rupees one thousand. In all other cases, the acceptance and retention of such gifts shall be regulated by the instructions issued by the Government in this regard from time to time.
5. A government servant shall not accept any gifts from any foreign firm which is either contracting with the Government of India or is one with which the government servant had, has or is likely to have official dealings. Acceptance of gifts by a government servant from any other firm shall be subject to the provisions of sub-rule (3).

Note

The expression gift shall include free transport, boarding, lodging or other service or any other pecuniary advantage when provided by any person other than a near relative or personal friend having no official dealings with the government servant.

1. A casual meal, lift or other social hospitality shall not be deemed to be a gift.
2. A government servant shall avoid accepting lavish hospitality or frequent hospitality from any individual, industrial or commercial firms, organisations, etc., having official dealings with him.

Dowry (Rule 13A)

No government servant shall:

1. give or take or abet the giving or taking of dowry; or
2. demand directly or indirectly, from the parent or guardian of a bride or bridegroom, as the case may be, any dowry.

Note

For the purposes of this rule, dowry has the same meaning as in the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961(28 of 1961).

Public Demonstrations in Honour of Government Servants (Rule 14)

No government servant shall, except with the previous sanction of the Government, receive any complimentary or valedictory address or accept any testimonial or attend any meeting or entertainment held in his honour; or in the honour of any other government servant:

Provided that nothing in this rule shall apply to:

1. a farewell entertainment of a substantially private and informal character held in honour of a government servant or any other government servant on the occasion of his retirement or transfer or any person who has recently quit the service of any Government; or
2. the acceptance of simple and inexpensive entertainments arranged by public bodies or institutions.

Note

Exercise of pressure or influence of any sort on any government servant to induce him to subscribe towards any farewell entertainment if it is of a substantially private or informal character and the collection of subscriptions from Group C or Group D employees under any circumstances for the entertainment of any government servant not belonging to Group C or Group D, is forbidden.

Private Trade or Employment (Rule 15)

1. Subject to the provisions of sub-rule (2), no government servant shall, except with the previous sanction of the Government:

   1. engage directly or indirectly in any trade or business, or
   2. negotiate for, or undertake, any other employment, or
   3. hold an elective office, or canvass for a candidate or candidates for an elective office, in any body, whether incorporated or not, or
   4. canvass in support of any business of insurance agency, commission agency, etc., owned or managed by any member of his family, or
   5. take part except in the discharge of his official duties, in the registration, promotion or management of any bank or other company registered or required to be registered, under the Companies Act, 1956 (1 of 1956) or any other law for the time being in force, or of any cooperative society for commercial purposes.
   6. participate in or associate himself in any manner in the making of:

      1. a sponsored media (radio or television) programme; or

      2. a media programme commissioned by Government media but produced by a private agency; or

      3. a privately produced media programme including video magazine.

         Provided that no previous permission shall be necessary in case where the government servant participates in a programme produced or commissioned by Government media in his official capacity.

2. A government servant may, without the previous sanction of the Government:

   1. undertake honorary work of a social or charitable nature, or

   2. undertake occasional work of a literary, artistic or scientific character, or

   3. participate in sports activities as an amateur, or

   4. take part in the registration, promotion or management (not involving the holding of an elective office) of a literary, scientific or charitable society or of a club or similar organisation, the aims or objects of which relate to promotion of sports, cultural or recreational activities, registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 (21 of 1860), or any other law for the time being in force, or :

   5. take part in the registration, promotion or management (not involving the holding of elective office) of a cooperative society substantially for the benefit of government servants, registered under the Cooperative Societies Act, 1912 (2 of 1912), or any other law for the time being in force.:

      Provided that:

      1. he shall discontinue taking part in such activities, if so directed by the Government; and
      2. in a case falling under clause (4) or clause (5) of this sub-rule, his official duties shall not suffer thereby and he shall, within a period of one month of his taking part in such activity, report to the Government giving details of the nature of his participation.

3. Every government servant shall report to the Government if any member of his family is engaged in a trade or business or owns or manages an insurance agency or commission agency.

4. Unless otherwise provided by general or special orders of the Government, no government servant may accept any fee for any work done by him for any private or public body or any private person without the sanction of the prescribed authority.

Note

The term fee used here shall have the meaning assigned to it in Fundamental Rule 9 (6-A).

FR 9 (6-A) says:

Fee means a recurring or non-recurring payment to a government servant from a source other than the Consolidated Fund of India, or the Consolidated Fund of a State or the Consolidated Fund of a Union Territory whether made directly to the government servant or indirectly through the intermediary of Government, but does not include:

1. unearned income such as income from property, dividends, and interests on securities; and
2. income from literary, cultural, artistic, scientific or technological efforts and income from participation in sports activities as an amateur.

Sub-letting and Vacation of Government Accommodation (Rule 15A)

1. Save as otherwise provided in any other law for the time being in force, no government servant shall sub-let, lease or otherwise allow occupation by any other person of Government accommodation which has been allotted to him.
2. A government servant shall, after the cancellation of his allotment of Government accommodation, vacate the same within the time limit prescribed by the allotting authority.

Investment, Lending and Borrowing (Rule 16)

1. No government servant shall speculate in any stock, share or other investment:

   Provided that nothing in this sub-rule shall apply to occasional investments made through stock brokers or other persons duly authorised and licensed or who have obtained a certificate of registration under the relevant law.

   Explanation

   Frequent purchase or sale or both, of shares, securities or other investments shall be deemed to be speculation within the meaning of this sub-rule.

2. No government servant shall make, or permit any member of his family or any person acting on his behalf to make, any investment which is likely to embarrass or influence him in the discharge of his official duties. For this purpose, any purchase of shares out of the quotas reserved for Directors of Companies or their friends and associates shall be deemed to be an investment which is likely to embarrass the government servant.

3. No government servant who is involved in the decision making process of fixation of price of an Initial Public Offering or Follow-up Public Offering of shares of a Central Public Sector Enterprise shall apply, either himself or through any member of his family or through any other person acting on his behalf, for allotment of shares in the Initial Public Offerings or Follow-up Public Offerings of such Central Public Sector Enterprise.

4. If any question arises whether any transaction is of the nature referred to in sub-rule (1) or sub-rule (2) or sub-rule (3) the decision of the Government thereon shall be final.

5. No government servant shall, save in the ordinary course of business with a bank or a public limited company, either himself or through any member of his family or any other person acting on his behalf:

   1. lend or borrow or deposit money, as a principal or an agent to, or from or with, any person or firm or private limited company within the local limits of his authority or with whom he is likely to have official dealings or otherwise place himself under any pecuniary obligation to such person or firm or private limited company; or

   2. lend money to any person at interest or in a manner whereby return in money or in kind is charged or paid;

      Provided that a government servant may, give to, or accept from a relative or a personal friend, a purely temporary loan of a small amount free of interest, or operate a credit account with a bona fide tradesman or make an advance of pay to his private employee;

      Provided further that nothing in this sub-rule shall apply in respect of any transaction entered into by a government servant with the previous sanction of the Government.

6. When a government servant is appointed or transferred to a post of such nature as would involve him in the breach of any of the provisions of sub-rule (2) or sub-rule (3) or sub-rule(5), he shall forthwith report the circumstances to the prescribed authority and shall thereafter act in accordance with such order as may be made by such authority.

Insolvency and Habitual Indebtedness (Rule 17)

A government servant shall manage his private affairs to avoid habitual indebtedness or insolvency. A government servant against whom any legal proceeding is instituted for the recovery of any debt due from him or for adjudging him as an insolvent, shall forthwith report the full facts of the legal proceedings to the Government.

Note

The burden of proving that the insolvency or indebtedness was the result of circumstances which, with the exercise of ordinary diligence, the government servant could not have foreseen, or over which he had no control, and had not proceeded from extravagant or dissipated habits, shall be upon the government servant.

Movable, Immovable and Valuable Property (Rule 18)

1. Every government servant shall on his first appointment to any service or post submit a return of his assets and liabilities, in such form as may be prescribed by the Government, giving the full particulars regarding:

   1. the immovable property inherited by him, or owned or acquired by him or held by him on lease or mortgage, either in his own name or in the name of any member of his family or in the name of any other person;
   2. shares, debentures and cash including bank deposits inherited by him or similarly owned, acquired, or held by him;
   3. other movable property inherited by him or similarly owned, acquired or held by him; and
   4. debts and other liabilities incurred by him directly or indirectly.

   Note

   1. Sub-rule (1) shall not ordinarily apply to Group D servants but the Government may direct that it shall apply to any such government servant or class of such government servants.
   2. In all returns, the values of items of movable property worth less than Rs.3310,000/- may be added and shown as a lump sum. The value of articles of daily use such as clothes, utensils, crockery, books, etc. need not be included in such return.
   3. Where a government servant already belonging to a service or holding a post is appointed to any other civil service or post, he shall not be required to submit a fresh return under this clause.

2. Every government servant belonging to any service or holding any post included in Group A and Group B shall submit an annual return in such form as may be prescribed by the Government in this regard giving full particulars regarding the immovable property inherited by him or owned or acquired by him or held by him on lease or mortgage either in his own name or in the name of any member of his family or in the name of any other person.

3. No government servant shall, except with the previous knowledge of the prescribed authority, acquire or dispose of any immovable property by lease, mortgage, purchase, sale, gift or otherwise either in his own name or in the name of any member of his family:

   Provided that the previous sanction of the prescribed authority shall be obtained by the government servant if any such transaction is with a person having official dealing with him.

4. Where a government servant enters into a transaction in respect of movable property either in his own name or in the name of the member of his family, he shall, within one month from the date of such transaction, report the same to the prescribed authority, if the value of such property exceeds two months’ basic pay of the government servant:

   Provided that the previous sanction of the prescribed authority shall be obtained by the government servant if any such transaction is with a person having official dealings with him.

5. The Government or the prescribed authority may, at any time, by general or special order, require a government servant to furnish, within a period specified in the order, a full and complete statement of such movable or immovable property held or acquired by him or on his behalf or by any member of his family as may be specified in the order. Such a statement shall, if so required by the Government or by the prescribed authority, include the details of the means by which, or the source from which, such property was acquired.

6. The Government may exempt any category of government servants belonging to Group C or Group D from any of the provisions of this rule except sub-rule (4). No such exemption shall, however, be made without the concurrence of the Cabinet Secretariat (Department of Personnel).

Explanation

1. Movable property means:
   1. jewellery;
   2. insurance policies, the annual premia of which exceeds two months’ basic pay of the government servant;
   3. shares, securities and debentures;
   4. all loans, whether secured or not, advanced or taken by the government servant;
   5. motor cars, motor cycles, horses or any other means of conveyance; and
   6. refrigerators, radios, radiograms and television sets.
2. Prescribed authority means:
   1. the Government, in the case of a government servant holding any Group A post, except where any lower authority is specifically specified by the Government for any purpose;
   2. Head of Department, in the case of a government servant holding any Group B post;
   3. Head of Office, in the case of a government servant holding any Group C or Group D post;
   4. in respect of a government servant on foreign service or on deputation to any other Ministry or any other Government, the parent department on the cadre of which such government servant is borne or the Ministry to which he is administratively subordinate as member of that cadre.
3. Lease means, except where it is obtained from, or granted to, a person having official dealings with the government servant, a lease of immovable property from year to year or for any term exceeding one year or reserving a yearly rent.

Note

1. In respect of all Government servants, if the total transactions in shares, securities, debentures, mutual funds scheme, etc., exceeds six months’ Basic Pay of a government servant during the calendar year, intimation is to be sent to the prescribed authority by 31st January of subsequent calendar year.
2. Transactions entered into by the family members of a government servant out of their own funds (including stridhan, gifts, inheritance, etc.) in their own names, need not be reported to the Government.
3. Construction of a house amounts to acquisition of immovable property for which intimation/ sanction is required. This is independent of sanction of Government loan. Same is the case where the expenditure incurred on repairs or minor construction work in respect of any house is estimated to exceed ₹10,000 (GID (4), Rule 18).
4. If the prescribed authority does not communicate/ refuse its sanction within sixty days of the receipt of the request in respect of cases covered by 4 above and within thirty days in all other cases, the official is free to assume grant of sanction (GID, Rule 8).
5. Non-furnishing of returns in time or furnishing wrong information will be good and sufficient reason for taking disciplinary action against the officer (GID (23), Rule 18).

Restrictions in Relation to Acquisition and Disposal of Immovable Property Outside India and Transactions with Foreigners, etc (Rule 18A)

Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-rule (3) of Rule 18, no government servant shall, except with the previous sanction of the prescribed authority:

1. acquire, by purchase, mortgage, lease, gift or otherwise, either in his own name or in the name of any member of his family, any immovable property situated outside India;
2. dispose of, by sale, mortgage, gift or otherwise or grant any lease in respect of any immovable property situated outside India which was acquired or is held by him either in his own name or in the name of any member of his family;
3. enter into any transaction with any foreigner, foreign Government , foreign organisation or concern:
   1. for the acquisition, by purchase, mortgage, lease, gift or otherwise, either in his own name or in the name of any member of his family, any immovable property;
   2. for the disposal of, by sale, mortgage, gift or otherwise, or the grant of any lease in respect of any immovable property which was acquired or is held by him either in his own name or in the name of any member of his family.

Explanation

In this rule prescribed authority has the same meaning as in Rule 18.

Vindication of Acts and Character of Government Servant (Rule 19)

1. No government servant shall, except with the previous sanction of the Government, have recourse to any Court or to the Press for the vindication of any official act which has been the subject-matter of adverse criticism or an attack of a defamatory character.

   Provided that if no such sanction is received by the government servant within a period of three months from the date of receipt of his request by the Government, he shall be free to assume that the permission as sought for has been granted to him.

2. Nothing in this rule shall be deemed to prohibit a government servant from vindicating his private character or any act done by him in his private capacity and where any action for vindicating his private character or any act done by him in private capacity is taken, the government servant shall submit a report to the prescribed authority regarding such action.

3. No action is required to be taken on anonymous/ pseudonymous complaints subject to instructions of OMs, dated 29-6-1999 and 31-1-2002 and such complaints should be filed.

4. Clarifications on action on Anonymous/ Pseudonymous Complaints.

   1. Where the action was initiated on anonymous/ pseudonymous complaints prior to the issue of CVC’s Circular, dated 29-6-1-1999 and was pending as on 29-6-1999, it can be pursued further to its logical end.
   2. Where action was initiated between the period 11-10-2002 and 25-11-2014 with prior concurrence of CVC but is pending, further action is permissible on such complaints.
   3. Material/ evidence gathered during the investigation/ verification of anonymous complaints when the action was prohibited on such complaints (i.e. between 29-6-1999 and 11-10-2002), or where such enquiry was initiated without the approval of CVC, can be utilised for further initiation of disciplinary proceedings on misconduct noticed in such verification/ enquiry.

Canvassing of Non-Official or Other Outside Influence (Rule 20)

No government servant shall bring or attempt to bring any political or other outside influence to bear upon any superior authority to further his interests in respect of matters pertaining to his service under the Government.

Restriction Regarding Marriage (Rule 21)

1. No government servant shall enter into, or contract, a marriage with a person having a spouse living; and

2. No government servant, having a spouse living, shall enter into, or contract, a marriage with any person:

   Provided that the Central Government may permit a government servant to enter into, or contract, any such marriage as is referred to in sub-rule (1) or sub-rule (2), if it is satisfied that

   1. such marriage is permissible under the personal law applicable to such government servant and the other party to the marriage; and
   2. there are other grounds for so doing.

3. A government servant who has married or marries a person other than of India Nationality shall forthwith intimate the fact to the Government.

Consumption of Intoxicating Drinks and Drugs (Rule 22)

A government servant shall:

1. strictly abide by any law relating to intoxicating drinks or drugs in force in any area in which he may happen to be for the time being;
2. not be under influence of any intoxicating drink or drug during the course of his duty and shall also take due care that the performance of his duties at any time is not affected in any way by the influence of such drink or drug;
3. refrain from consuming any intoxicating drink or drug in a public place;
4. not appear in a public place in a state of intoxication;
5. not use any intoxicating drink or drug to excess.

Explanation

For the purposes of this rule, public place means any place or premises (including a conveyance) to which the public have, or are permitted to have, access, whether on payment or otherwise.

Prohibition Regarding Employment of Children Below 14 Years of Age (Rule 22A)

No government servant shall employ any child below the age of 14 years.

Interpretation (Rule 23)

If any question arises relating to the interpretation of these rules, it shall be referred to the Government whose decision thereon shall be final.

Delegation of Powers (Rule 24)

The Government may, by general or special order, direct that any power exercisable by it or any Head of Department under these rules (except the powers under Rule 23 and this rule) shall, subject to such conditions, if any, as may be specified in the order, be exercisable also by such officer or authority as may be specified in the order.

Repeal and Saving (Rule 25)

Any rules corresponding to these rules in force immediately before the commencement of these rules and applicable to the government servants to whom these rules apply are hereby repealed:

Provided that any order made or action taken under the rules so repealed shall be deemed to have been made or taken under the corresponding provisions of these rules.

Provided further that such repeal shall not affect the previous operation of the rules so repealed and a contravention of any of the said rules shall be punishable as if it were a contravention of these rules.

In a Nutshell

1. Every government servant shall take prior permissions or sanctions from the prescribed authority to:

   1. join an educational institution or course of studies for a University degree (GID (4), Rule 3).
   2. join the civil defence service (GID (7), Rule 3).
   3. enrol as a member of St. John ambulance brigade (GID (8), Rule 3).
   4. join the territorial army (GID (10), Rule 3).
   5. join the Home Guards Organisation (GID (9), Rule 3).
   6. join foreign language classes conducted by India Foreign Cultural Organization (GID (14), Rule 5).
   7. own wholly or in part or conduct or participate in the editing or management of any newspaper or other periodical publication or electronic media (Rule 8 (1)).
   8. give evidence in connection with any enquiry conducted by any person, committee or authority. However exempted (Rule 10 (1, 2 & 3)) in giving:
      1. evidence at an enquiry before an authority appointed by Government, Parliament or a State Legislature; or
      2. evidence in any judicial enquiry; or
      3. evidence at any departmental enquiry ordered by authorities subordinate to the Government.
   9. ask for or accept contributions to or otherwise associate himself in the raising of any funds or other collections in cash or in kind in pursuance of any object whatsoever. (Rule 12).
   10. accept gifts from near relatives and personal friends, when the value exceeds prescribed limits (Rule 13 (2, 3 & 4)) as per the table below:

   Cadre	Ceiling
   Group A	₹25,000
   Group B	₹15,000
   Group C	₹7,500

   11. accept membership of book clubs run by foreign agencies (GID (8), Rule 13).
   12. receive any complimentary or valedictory address or accept any testimonial or attend any meeting or entertainment held in his honour or in the honour of any other government servant, however exempted (GID (1), Rule 14) to:
       1. take part in informal farewell entertainment held on occasions like retirement or transfer.
       2. attend and speak at functions and ceremonies performed by others in respect of purely non-political or cultural institutions.
   13. accept International awards (GID (3), Rule 14).
   14. engage directly or indirectly in any trade or business, or hold an elective office in any body, whether incorporated or not, for a period of two terms or for a period of 5 years, whichever is earlier, when contesting an election in such body, as per existing rules, or canvass for a candidate for an elective office, in any body, or canvass in support of any business of insurance agency, commission agency, etc., owned or managed by any member of his family (GID (19) and Rule 15 (1)).
   15. accept fee for work done for any private or public body or person. (Rule 15 (4)).
   16. accept a part-time lectureship in an educational institution which is in the nature of a regular remunerative occupation (GID (2), Rule 15).
   17. enrol himself as an Advocate with the Bar Association, subject to the condition that the government servant does not engage himself in the legal profession so long as he continues in Government service (GID (12), Rule 15).
   18. accept remuneration for services rendered regularly to cooperative societies (GID (4), Rule 15).
   19. undertake medical practice during spare time on a purely charitable basis, if registered as a practitioner in any system of medicine. In view of COVID Pandemic, government servants holding recognized qualifications and registered under the relevant law can practise or provide teleconsultation service during spare time on charitable basis (GIDs (9, 9 (A and 13), Rule 15)).
   20. enter into negotiations with private firms to secure commercial employment even while in service (GID (10), Rule 15).
   21. hold an elective office in cooperative societies and other bodies and to contest in an election in such a body (GIDs (16 and 18), Rule 15).
   22. acquire or dispose of any immovable property, either directly or through Power of Attorney by lease, mortgage, purchase, sale, gift or otherwise either in his own name or in the name of any member of his family, if the above transaction is with a person having official dealings with the government servant (GlD (29), Rule 18 (2)).
   23. regardless of the amount involved, where the transaction regarding the material purchases or contract for any repairs or minor construction to an immovable property, is with a person with whom the government servant concerned has official dealings. Intimation is necessary to incur expenditure on repairs and minor additions to an immovable property with the estimate exceeding two months’ Basic Pay (GID (29), Rule 18).
   24. enter into transactions in movable property, if its value exceeds prescribed limits and if the transaction is with a person having official dealings with the government servant (Rule 18 (3)).
   25. acquire by purchase, mortgage, lease, gift or otherwise, either in his own name or in the name of any member of his family any immovable property situated outside India.
   26. dispose of, by sale, mortgage, gift or otherwise or grant any lease in respect of any immovable property situated outside India which was acquired or held by him either in his own name or in the name of any member of his family.
   27. enter into any transaction with any foreigner, foreign government, foreign organisation or concern for the:
       1. acquisition, by purchase, mortgage, lease, gift or otherwise, either in his own name or in the name of any member of his family of any immovable property.
       2. disposal of, by sale, mortgage, gift or otherwise, or the grant of any lease in respect of immovable property which was acquired or is held by him either in his own name or in the name of any member of his family (Rule 18 (A)).
   28. have recourse to any Court or to the press for the vindication of any official act which has been the subject-matter of adverse criticism or an attack of a defamatory character (Rule 19 (1)).
   29. stay with foreign diplomats and foreign nationals abroad.
   30. be members of or actively participate in the activities of India Foreign Cultural Organizations.
   31. accept any commercial employment before the expiry of one year from the date of retirement, in the case of pensioners who, immediately before retirement, were Group A officers. (CCS (Pension) Rules, Rule 9).

   Note

   In the case of items below mentioned, if the permission sought for is not refused within the time limit specified below, a government servant is free to assume that the permission sought for has been granted.

   Particulars	Time Limit
   8, 9, 22, 24	30 days
   25, 26, 27	60 days (GID, Rule 8)
   28	3 months (Rule 19 (1))

2. government servant not required to take prior permissions or sanctions from the prescribed authority to:

   1. seek redress in Courts of Law or in Central Administrative Tribunals of grievances arising out of employment or conditions of service (GID (11), Rule 3).
   2. participate during spare time in Shramdaan organised by government departments or Bharat Sewak Samaj ( GID (6), Rule 3).
   3. become members of Samyuktha Sadhachar Samithi ( GID (13), Rule 5).
   4. publish a book himself or through a publisher, in the bona fide discharge of his duties. (Rule 8 (2)).
   5. submit memoranda before Pay Commissions by individual government servants in their individual capacity (individual grievances should not be put to the Commission) (GIDs (3) and (4), Rule 10).
   6. participate in Flag Day collections on a voluntary basis (GID (3), Rule 12).
   7. participate in the fund raising efforts of the National Foundation for Communal Harmony (GID (6), Rule 12).
   8. undertake honorary work of a social or charitable nature (Rule 15 (2)).
   9. undertake occasional work of a literary, artistic or scientific character (Rule 15 (2)).
   10. participate in sports activities as an amateur (Rule 15 (2)).
   11. take part in the registration, promotion or management (not involving the holding of an elective office) of a literary, scientific or charitable society or of a club or similar organisation or a cooperative society substantially for the benefit of government servants.