In Kerala middle level government officials face innumerable problems
and consequntial delay in getting their pensionary benefits when they
retire. There are many cases dealt by Hon'ble Lok Ayukta.. Non-production
of "NO DEMAND CERTIFICATES' was the problem. In earlier days so long as the
charges of the official's last appointment were properly handed over, there
was no problem in issuing a No Demand Certificate. Of late after various
metamorphosis, when everyone wanted to play safe without accountability,
certain departments were issueing No Demand Certificate only after the
accounts of the department were audited and cleared by the Accountant
General. Alternately some departments were willing to give a No Demand
Certificate only on the concerned incumbant signing an indemnity bond
stating that in case anything come up during athe audit they are accepting
the responsibility.
To me, there appeared no such direction but only a wrong practice. I
had therefore asked Government of Kerala seeking copy of government orders
on the subject. Of course my application went from one wing to another and
landed up with Finance Department of the Government who closed the case with
an evasive reply. But on my First Appeal following reply has been
furnbished by Aditional Chief Secretry, Finance Department, Government of
Kerala vide their No.772/Informtion/08/Fin dated 16-01-2008. I wish that the
affected officials make use of this ruling.
x x x
Sub: The Right to Information Act 2005-Forwarding of Information - Reg
Ref: Your Appeal dated 01-01-2008
Attention is invited to the reference cited and you are informed as
follows:
The five points on which information is reqested relate to
particular Government orders regading issue of "No Demand Certificate" when
an employee hands over and when an ermployee retires. No such orders have
been issued from the Finnce Department of the Government To the best of our
knowledge, no such order has been issued by any other Department in
Government either. Hence copies of non-existent orders cnnot be made
available.
The appeal is disposed of as above.
Yours faithfully,
Sd/-
K.JOSE CYRIACE,
Additional Chief Secretary &
AppellateAuthority
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