Briefcase Allowance for Central Government Employees: Revised Limits Issued by C&AG

Briefcase Allowance for Central Government Employees: Revised Limits Issued by C&AG

The Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) of India has recently issued a circular revising the monetary ceiling for reimbursement of Briefcase/Office Bag/Ladies Purse for officials of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department (IA&AD). The new order updates the entitlement for various pay levels and comes into effect from 1 January 2024.

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Purpose of the Allowance

The Briefcase Allowance is intended to enable government officials to purchase suitable bags or briefcases for carrying official papers and documents in a professional and secure manner. Officers and officials of eligible levels are entitled to claim reimbursement for the cost of these items once every three years, upon submission of valid proof of purchase.

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Details of the Revised Entitlement

According to Circular No. 2, IA–Staff/2024 (File No. 468–Staff Entt. II/3–1–2021), issued from the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, New Delhi, the revised ceiling limits for reimbursement are as follows:

Designation / Level	Pay Level (7th CPC)	Revised Ceiling (₹) (Inclusive of GST)
Deputy Accountant General (DAG) / Accountant General (AG) / Principal Director (PD)	Level 14	8,125
Additional Deputy Accountant General (ADAI) / Director General (DG) / Principal Accountant General (PAG)	Levels 15–16	10,000
Deputy Accountant General / Director / Senior Deputy Accountant General / Senior PPS / PSO	Levels 12–13	6,250
Deputy Director / DAG / PPS	Level 11	5,000
Level 8 to Level 10 Officers	Levels 8–10	5,000
Level 6 to Level 7 Officials	Levels 6–7	4,375
Deputy Accountant General (Audit) (Level 17 – DA(I))	Level 17	11,500

(Note: The table reproduces information directly from the official C&AG circular.)

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Key Points of the Circular

1. Applicability: These revised limits apply to all IA&AD officers and officials holding regular posts as per entitlement.

2. Purchase Conditions: Eligible employees may purchase a briefcase, office bag, or ladies’ purse from any private or public outlet. Reimbursement will, however, be restricted to the respective ceiling amount.

3. Reimbursement Cycle: The claim can be made on joining the department or after completion of three years from the date of the last purchase.

4. Effective Date: The order comes into force from 1 January 2024, and past settled cases will not be reopened.

5. Authority: The circular has been issued under the approval of the competent authority and signed by Shri Nilesh Patil, Assistant Comptroller and Auditor General (N).

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Administrative Process

Eligible officials must submit a claim form with the original bill or cash memo to their Administrative Section for processing. Once approved by the Head of Office or authorized authority, reimbursement will be made through the regular office payment system.

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Official Reference

Source:
Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India
Circular No. 2, IA–Staff/2024
File No. 468–Staff Entt. II/3–1–2021
Dated: 26.01.2024
Subject: Revision of monetary ceiling for reimbursement of Briefcase/Office Bag/Ladies Purse for official use in IA&AD.

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Application for Reimbursement of Briefcase / Office Bag / Ladies Purse Allowance

To
The Head of Office / Administrative Officer

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(Department / Ministry Name)

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Subject: Claim for Reimbursement of Briefcase / Office Bag / Ladies Purse Allowance

Sir / Madam,

I am submitting herewith my claim for reimbursement towards the purchase of a Briefcase / Office Bag / Ladies Purse as per the entitlement under the Government of India orders. The details of the purchase and my service particulars are furnished below:

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1. Personal & Service Details

Particulars	Details
Name of the Employee	__________________________
Designation	__________________________
Employee Code / HRMS ID	__________________________
Office / Section	__________________________
Pay Level in Pay Matrix (as per 7th CPC)	__________________________
Date of Joining / Last Claim Submission	__________________________

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2. Purchase Details

Particulars	Details
Item Purchased	Briefcase / Office Bag / Ladies Purse (strike out whichever not applicable)
Name of the Vendor / Shop	__________________________
Date of Purchase	__________________________
Bill / Invoice Number & Date	__________________________
Amount Paid (₹)	__________________________
Entitled Ceiling Limit (₹)	__________________________
Amount Claimed for Reimbursement (₹)	__________________________

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3. Declaration

I hereby declare that:

1. The above item has been purchased for official use only.

2. The claim is being made after the expiry of three years from the date of the previous reimbursement / or upon joining the Department.

3. I have not claimed any similar reimbursement during the prescribed period.

4. The expenditure has been incurred by me personally, and the claim is within the prescribed monetary ceiling for my pay level.

I request that the reimbursement may please be sanctioned as per the rules in force.

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Date: ___________________
Place: ___________________

Signature of the Employee
(Name: ______________________)
Designation: __________________
Pay Level: ____________________

Conclusion

The revision of the Briefcase Allowance reflects the government’s continued efforts to ensure that officials have adequate facilities for efficient and dignified discharge of their duties. By updating these limits periodically, departments like IA&AD help maintain professional standards and functional convenience for their officers.