Home Ministry extends financial powers of chiefs of CRPF, BSF

The Ministry of Home Affairs has enhanced the financial powers of the Chiefs of central armed police forces like CRPF and BSF and other central agencies, empowering them to spend up to Rs 15 Cr for executing major projects and Rs 1 Cr for minor works including repairing of residential buildings.

The director generals of CISF, ITBP, SSB, NSG, Assam Rifles and National Investigation Agency and the director of Intelligence Bureau will also be able to exercise the same enhanced financial powers. The amount sanctioned for major projects has gone up to Rs 15 Cr from Rs 10 Cr previously.

The major projects include construction of buildings and purchase of vehicles among others.

The fund for minor projects has also been increased to Rs 1 Cr from Rs 50 lakh previously. The minor works include petty repairs and administrative expenditure.

The decision was taken by Union home secretary Rajiv Gauba. The main objective behind the order is to bring greater flexibility in operations, reduce delays and facilitate a quick decision on matters involving financial expenditure.

Previously, the ministry gave financial powers to the joint secretaries to spend up to Rs 50 Cr for executing work and purchasing land.

Joint secretaries were also allowed to make procurement through open or limited tender of up to Rs 20 Cr and procurement through negotiated or single tender or proprietary contract of up to Rs 5 Cr.