Government Issues New Policy Allowing Central Employees to Keep Laptops After Four Years

The Finance Ministry has revised the device purchase policy for central government officers, enabling them to retain their government-issued laptops, tablets, and similar gadgets after four years of use. The new rules allow departments to purchase devices worth up to Rs 1.8 lakh plus taxes, including MacBook Air and Pro models from Apple, provided they have more than 40% Make-in-India content. Officers in Pay Level 12 and above are eligible for the laptops, while those in Pay Levels 8 to 11 can receive them if deemed necessary by their ministry or department secretary. The policy applies to central government ministries and departments, but not state governments, public sector undertakings, autonomous bodies, and consultants. Employees must ensure that all official information is wiped from the devices before retaining them, and those who leave government service before four years may pay the depreciated value to keep their laptops.

The revised policy was issued by the Department of Expenditure on November 10, replacing earlier rules set for July 2023 that had price limits of Rs 1 lakh and Rs 1.3 lakh. The new rules prevent an officer from receiving another device within the four-year period unless the existing one is beyond economical repair.

WHAT: The Finance Ministry has revised its device purchase policy for central government officers, allowing them to keep their laptops after four years of use and setting a price limit of Rs 1.8 lakh for devices with more than 40% Make-in-India content.

WHO: Central government officers in Pay Level 12 and above are eligible for the laptops, while those in Pay Levels 8 to 11 may receive them under certain conditions.

WHEN: The revised policy was issued by the Department of Expenditure on November 10, replacing earlier rules set for July 2023.

WHERE: The policy applies to central government ministries and departments, along with their attached and subordinate offices. State governments, public sector undertakings, autonomous bodies, and consultants are outside its scope.

WHY: The new policy aims to provide central government officers with better tools for official work while promoting domestic manufacturing through the Make-in-India initiative.