PULWAMA, NOVEMBER 05: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Pulwama, Kuldeep Krishan Sidha, today chaired a meeting of the District Rent Assessment Committee (DRAC) at the Circuit House, DC Office Complex, Pulwama, to review and assess the rental arrangements of various government departments operating from private buildings across the district.
The meeting was attended by ADC Pulwama, Dr. S. M. Ashraf, officers from various line departments having offices or sub-offices functioning in rented accommodations, besides landlords whose properties are currently being utilised by government departments.
During the meeting, a detailed presentation was made before the Chair, outlining department-wise details of rented premises, including the locations of offices and branches, the number of rented accommodations and the rental expenditure being incurred by different departments across the district.
While reviewing the arrangements, the Deputy Commissioner emphasised the need for a thorough assessment of the actual requirement of rented accommodations by each department. He directed the officers to first examine whether hiring private buildings was genuinely necessary or whether suitable alternative government accommodation was available for shifting the concerned offices.
The DC emphasised that every proposal for hiring private accommodation must be supported by proper justification, clearly establishing the necessity of the premises and the reasons for not utilising available government infrastructure. He further directed the departments to ensure that the requisite certificates and supporting documents are maintained to substantiate the need for continuing operations from rented buildings.
The Deputy Commissioner also emphasised the importance of ensuring that rent agreements with landlords are duly executed and registered with the competent authority. He directed all concerned departments to complete the requisite formalities and submit registered rent agreements to the concerned offices before processing further rental payments.
Emphasising financial discipline, the DC directed the officers to ensure that adequate budgetary provisions and necessary financial sanctions are available before entering into or continuing any rental arrangement. He further directed that rental agreements should be executed for a period of one financial year and renewed after the completion of each financial year, subject to a fresh assessment of requirements and completion of all necessary formalities.
During the meeting, Officers from all concerned departments having offices or sub-offices functioning in rented accommodations across the district apprised the Chair of their existing rental arrangements, departmental requirements and related details.
Landlords present during the meeting also put forth their concerns and requests regarding rent assessment, highlighting various issues associated with the existing rental arrangements. The Deputy Commissioner heard their submissions and emphasised that all claims must be supported by proper documentation and valid agreements. He added that rental payments would be processed only after completion of the prescribed formalities and verification of the relevant records.
Concluding the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner directed all concerned officers to adhere to the prescribed procedures and ensure strict compliance with the instructions issued during the meeting.
