Nomination of Area Welfare Officers (AWOs) for 2025 and 2026

What is an Area Welfare Officer (AWO)?

An Area Welfare Officer (AWO) is a gazetted officer of the Government of India who is nominated to look after the welfare of Central Government employees and their families residing in various residential colonies. The AWO acts as a liaison between the Central Government employees and civic or other agencies responsible for providing services to them. The role is honorary and voluntary, performed in a non-official capacity.

Key Functions of an Area Welfare Officer (AWO)

According to the circular, the functions of an AWO, detailed in Annexure I, include:

• Acting as a coordinator between CGHS dispensaries and beneficiaries for addressing complaints.
• Assisting in emergency hospital work, such as expediting the hospitalization process for serious cases.
• Serving on the CGHS Area Advisory Committee to suggest improvements for services.
• Acting as a liaison officer for community halls and managing complaints regarding civic services such as electricity, water supply, drainage, and other local amenities.
• Handling neighbor disputes, working with civic/police authorities, and resolving local issues like street lighting and sanitation.

Eligibility Criteria for Area Welfare Officer (AWO)

The guidelines for selecting AWOs, as outlined in Annexure II, include the following conditions:

1. The candidate must be a gazetted officer.
2. The applicant should not be an office bearer of any Central Government Employees Welfare Association.
3. The officer should be resident of the area where they apply to serve as an AWO, with at least 300 government employees residing in that area.
4. The officer should be physically fit and willing to work in a voluntary capacity.
5. The officer should not be retiring within two years from the date of their appointment.
6. Only those officers who can spare time for welfare work will be considered.

Duration of Appointment

The tenure of an Area Welfare Officer will be for a period of two years, effective from January 1, 2025, until December 31, 2026. However, the officer’s services may be extended based on the Government’s requirement, or if there is no suitable replacement available, the existing AWO can continue for another term.

How to Apply for AWO Nomination

Officers who are interested in volunteering for this honorary position must submit their applications by October 15, 2024. The applications should be duly recommended by the administrative authority of the concerned department and should include the format outlined in Annexure III of the circular.

Terms and Conditions

Area Welfare Officers will be allowed to use official stationery and service postage stamps for official duties. Additionally, they may leave the office with prior permission to address civic and police authorities on matters affecting residents.

The applicant must not hold any office in the Central Government Employees Welfare Association or similar organizations, ensuring neutrality in the welfare officer’s role.

Conclusion

The role of an Area Welfare Officer is vital for fostering cooperation between government employees and civic agencies. With a range of duties aimed at improving community welfare, AWOs play an essential part in ensuring smooth coordination between government bodies and residential associations. Officers interested in taking up this voluntary role should apply before the deadline, ensuring they meet the necessary criteria to contribute meaningfully to the welfare of their communities.

Click here for the DoPT Circular