Raipur: Ahead of Diwali, there is welcome news for teachers and staff working in Chhattisgarh’s Swami Atmanand Excellence Schools. The School Education Department is preparing to implement a new system to resolve issues related to salary payments and post-retirement financial benefits. A proposal is being drafted to delegate Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) powers to the respective Block Education Officers (BEOs).
In this regard, the Directorate of Public Instruction has issued a letter to all District Education Officers (DEOs) seeking necessary information. The process for transferring DDO powers will be determined based on the information provided by the department.
Issues with Salary and Retirement Matters
Under the current system, employees working in Atmanand Schools were facing delays regarding salary payments. Additionally, difficulties were arising in the settlement of cases concerning post-retirement financial benefits.
Addressing these issues, the department is working towards delegating financial control and DDO-related powers to BEOs at the local level. The department believes this will streamline the processing of matters related to salaries and financial benefits.
Information Sought from DEOs on 11 Points
The Directorate of Public Instruction has asked all District Education Officers to provide block-wise information covering 11 specific points. This includes details such as the number of Atmanand Schools operating in the block, approval for school operations, the sanctioned staff structure, the number of employees currently working, existing DDO power allocations, and other relevant information.
District Education Officers are required to submit this information to the department within the stipulated timeframe. Subsequently, based on the data received, the process of delegating DDO powers to the BEO level will be taken forward.
Potential Relief for Teachers and Staff
If DDO powers are transferred to BEOs as proposed, matters concerning the salaries and retirement benefits of teachers and staff in Atmanand Schools can be resolved at the local level. This is expected to reduce paperwork and expedite the workflow for related cases.
However, the system is currently at the proposal stage. The department will determine the subsequent procedures and the final framework after receiving information from the District Education Officers.
