Srinagar, Jan 1: The Government on Wednesday asked all the IAS officers working in connection with the affairs of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir to file Immovable Property Returns (IPR) online by January ending, underlining that failure constitutes “good and sufficient” reason for institution of disciplinary proceedings.

“Pursuant to the instructions issued by Department of Personnel & Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India, regarding filing of Immovable Property Returns (IPR) by the IAS Officers, various circular instructions have been issued by the GAD from time to time,” reads a government circular, a copy of which lies with GNS.

“In terms of Rule 16(2) of AIS (Conduct) Rules, 1968, every member of the service is required to submit his/her annual Immovable Property Return (IPR) by 31 January of this year, failure whereof constitutes good and sufficient reason for institution of disciplinary proceedings,” it said, adding, “Moreover, vide notification dated 30.12.2021, Rule 3(1) of IAS (Pay) Rules, 2016 has been amended to make filing of IPR mandatory for being considered for appointment to the next level of pay matrix.”

The government said every IAS officer can submit his and her IPR either electronically or upload scanned copy of the manually filled in IPR. “This online module closes automatically after the prescribed timeline of 31 January in respect of filing of IPR of preceding year.”
In terms of the extant Rules, it said, the IAS officers have to necessarily file IPRS electronically as there is no provision for submission of IPRs manually.

“The timely submission of IPRs, has assumed significance as in terms of DoPT’s instruction late submission of IPR results in denial of vigilance clearance,” the government said, adding, “The IAS officers working in connection with the affairs of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir are, accordingly, advised to observe the above instructions in letter & spirit.” (GNS)