Internet Allowance, Mobile Phone Allowance, Newspaper Allowance
These allowance are administered differently in ministries as per their requirements. Some ministries provide Mobile Phones and Internet connections to their employees, while others compensate their employees for these services in monetary terms, ranging from ₹200 pm to ₹3,000 pm. There are demands to raise these allowances.
Analysis and Recommendations
There is no doubt that these allowances are required in the present times. However, they should lead to efficiency in administration also. As such, it is suggested that all ministries should have a comprehensive database of their employees, including their mobile numbers and email addresses. This database should be available on the website of the concerned ministry.
The ministries should continue dealing with these allowances on their own, subject to the ceilings notified by the Ministry of Finance from time to time. The present ceilings should, however, be raised by 25 percent and the entire amount should be paid, lump sum, to the eligible employees without the need for production of vouchers.