Absence of Delegated Financial Powers for Divisional Heads in Department of Posts & Operational Difficulties

Absence of Delegated Financial Powers for Divisional Heads in Key Operational Areas

It is observed that Divisional Heads currently lack financial authority for critical operational expenditures, including:

1. Repair & Maintenance
2. Fuel expenses
3. Procurement of computer equipment and consumables

For clarity, please refer to the Delegation of Financial Powers (DFP) framework, which highlights the exclusion of these powers for Divisional Heads. Further, the powers delegated object head based so charging of alternate HoA is not recommended as per revised DFR 2024

Due to the non-delegation of financial powers to Divisional Heads, routine operational activities are severely disrupted, even for minor service/maintenance works or the supply of essential consumables and fuel costing merely ₹300–400. Such delays hinder the restoration of office functionality and negatively impact the department’s reputation for efficiency.

Operational Challenges Due to Missing Object Heads

The following Object Heads have been omitted for Divisional Heads, leading to significant operational constraints in day-to-day functions:

Object Head	Description	Impact
19 (Digital Equipment)	Procurement of ICT equipment (computers, peripherals, etc.)	Hinders IT maintenance and upgrades.
24 (Fuels & Lubricants)	Purchase of petrol, diesel, CNG, etc.	Disrupts generator operations during power outages.
29 (Repair & Maintenance)	Maintenance of equipment, vehicles, and infrastructure	Delays essential repairs and upkeep.

Under the Revised DFR 2024, financial powers have been explicitly delegated to officers at various levels, with defined monetary limits. However, Divisional Heads have been restricted from charging expenditures under the following Major Heads of Account:

• 19 – Digital Equipment
• 24 – Fuels & Lubricants
• 29 – Repairs & Maintenance

Detailed Analysis of Missing Powers

1. Object Head 19 – Digital Equipment

Previous Delegation: Prior to DFR 2024, Divisional Heads had the authority to procure computer-related items up to Rs. 15,000/- (Directorate Letter No. 6-1-2008-FC (Posts) dated 28/06/2016).

Nature of works comes under: Purchase Barcode Readers, Biometric Scanner, Web Camera, Monitors, Printers - Dot matrix, laser, thermal etc.,  

Current Scenario: This power has been revoked entirely, requiring even minor purchases (e.g., purchase of barcode reader worth Rs.1000/-) to be escalated to the Regional Head (HoD).

Operational Impact: Delays in IT procurement and maintenance, which affect the postal operations.

2. Object Head 29 – Repair & Maintenance

Previous Delegation: Before April 2025, Divisional Heads could approve as per Directorate Letter No. 6-1-2008-FC (Posts) dated 28/06/2016) and Minor repairs up to Rs. 5,000/- (as per Schedule II 2(a) of https://www.indiapost.gov.in/vas/dop_rti/schedule_iii_po.pdf).

Nature of works comes under: Toner refills, purchase of toner, purchase of cartridges, keyboard, mouse, CMOS batteries -, RJ45 Jack, printer cables, network cables, all consumables connected with computers and printers.

Current Scenario: No financial power remains for Divisional Heads, necessitating approvals from R.O. for even nominal expense. Single RJ45 value Rs.5/- and CMOS battery worth Rs.10/-, toner refill worth Rs.200/- to be taken to R.O. for approval.

Operational Impact: Day to day work completely affected at Operative Side.

3. Object Head 24 – Fuels & Lubricants

Critical Need: Most post offices rely on generators during power failures, requiring timely fuel procurement.

Current Limitation: Divisional Heads cannot authorize fuel purchases, risking operational disruptions.

Divisional Head has no power to purchase even for 5litres of fuel for the generator.

Conclusion & Recommendation

The revised DFR 2024 has inadvertently curtailed essential financial powers at the Divisional level, creating bottlenecks in daily operations. To ensure smooth functioning, it is recommended that:

• Partial delegation be restored for minor IT purchases (e.g., up to Rs.15000/-).
• Urgent repairs and Maintenance (e.g Upto Rs.10,000/-) and consumables (e.g., toners, ribbons up to Rs.15000/-) be approved at the Divisional level.
• Fuel procurement for generators be permitted atleast of Rs.5000/- for each case.

A review of these restrictions is requested to minimize administrative delays and maintain operational efficiency.