Ensuring smooth and uninterrupted payment functions, the Finance Ministry has declared the government expenditure system as an essential service, implying that all its payment functions will run normally to ensure that there are no delays in transfer of funds to meet any emergent needs amidst the coronavirus crisis.
According to the Finance Ministry office memorandum, all offices connected with the payment functions of the government will remain open. The memorandum also noted that in the present situation, the smooth and normal functioning of the government expenditure system is critical to safeguard public interest. It also said that in certain sectors, the expenditure systems may have to function more quickly than normal to cope with the emerging needs.
The Finance Ministry further said that absence of staff shall not be a reason for any delay or non-functioning of the payment and accounting system and pay and account offices & other offices dealing with payments shall remain open during working hours. Besides, it added that financial advisors and field offices of the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) shall attend offices as per normal schedule to ensure coordination and supervision and shall issue suitable instructions for the presence of others as necessary to achieve these objectives.