The Directorate of Elementary Education has issued a fresh directive to all District Elementary Education Officers (DEEOs), asking them to ensure that all eligible government employees under their jurisdiction file their online property returns for the financial year 2025-26, as well as for any previous years in which the returns remain pending.
DEEOs must clear backlog of property returns
According to The Tribune, the directive was issued in a communication to the DEEOs on July 6. The Directorate has also sought a compliance certificate from the district authorities confirming that no eligible officer or employee is left for filing the online property return.
Annual disclosure mandate for Education Department officials
The directive states that every official of the Education Department is mandated to annually disclose details of their movable and immovable assets. The declaration must include all properties inherited, owned, acquired, or held on lease or mortgage.
"Every official of the Education Department is mandated to annually disclose details of their movable and immovable assets. The declaration must include all properties inherited, owned, acquired, or held on lease or mortgage." — The Tribune
Compliance certificate required from district authorities
The Directorate has made it clear that DEEOs must not only ensure the filing of returns for the current financial year but also clear any backlog from previous years. The compliance certificate will serve as proof that all eligible employees have submitted their declarations.
Our Take: A step toward transparency in government
This directive is a straightforward move to enforce accountability among government employees in the Education Department. Requiring a compliance certificate ensures that no one can claim ignorance or skip the process. In our view, such measures are essential to maintain transparency in public service. The focus on clearing backlogs also shows that the Directorate is serious about closing loopholes that may have allowed some employees to avoid disclosure in the past. For taxpayers, this is a positive sign that the system is working to track assets of public officials.
