7th Pay Commission Children Education Allowance Order – Certain Grey Areas in the OM dated 16.08.2017

7th Pay Commission Children Education Allowance Order – Certain Grey Areas in the OM dated 16.08.2017 such as documents to be submitted, validity of earlier orders etc.

For Central Government Employees having school going Children, Orders have been issued recently (OM No. No.A-27012/02/2017-Estt.(AL) dated 16.08.2017 ) for revision of Children Education Allowance on implementation of 7th Pay Commission report.

Unlike other allowances, the revised Children Education Allowance and hostel subsidy on implementation of 7th Pay Commission report did not discourage much. Both CEA and Hostel Subsidy have been increased by 50%

While Children Education Allowance has been increased from Rs. 1800 per month to Rs. 2250 per month, Hostel Subsidy applicable to Children staying in Hostel has been increased from Rs. 4500 to Rs. 6750.

However, the changes made in the procedure to be followed by Central Government Employees as per Para 2 of OM No. No.A-27012/02/2017-Estt.(AL) dated 16.08.2017, raise many doubts.

As per Para 1 of OM dated 16.08.2017, OM dated 28.04.2017 gets superceded. However, it appears that the original OM 12011/03/2008-Estt. (Allowance) dated 02.09.2008 and subsequent insturtions and Guidelines issued by Govt from time to time which stipulate submission of original fee paid receipt are still valid.

However, OM No. No.A-27012/02/2017-Estt.(AL) dated 16.08.2017 says that for reimbursement of CEA, a certificate from the head of institution, where the ward of government employee studies, will be sufficient for this purpose. As far as Hostel Subsidy is concerned it is provided that a similar certificate from the head of institution will suffice, with the additional requirement that the certificate should mention the amount of expenditure incurred by the government servant towards lodging and boarding in the residential complex. The amount of expenditure mentioned, or the ceiling as mentioned above, whichever is lower, shall be paid to the employee.

It implies that no documents such original fee receipts etc are needed for payment of Children Education Allowance and that for payment of Hostel Subsidy certificate issued by head of institution should also include amount of expenditure incurred by the employee in respect of hostel.

Checkout these Children Education Allowance and Hostel Subsidy related orders / instructions / clarifications issued by Govt from Time to time.

Children Education Allowance and Hostel Subsidy on implementaion of 6th Pay Commission – Original Order

Children Education Allowance – clarification on e-receipt

Clarification on Children Education Allowance – Recognition of Schools

Children Education Allowance related recommendations of 7th Pay Commission

FAQ on Children Education Allowance, Overtime Allowance, and Leave

Children Education Allowance admissible to two eldest surviving children only – DOPT

Admissibility and Annual Ceiling in Children Education Allowance and Hostel Subsidy

Allowances linked with increase in DA – Increase in Children Education Allowance, hostel subsidy and special allowance

Children Education Allowance in case of spouse working

Children Education Allowance, Honorarium, Special Allowance – FAQ

Children Education Allowance and Hostel Subsidy – Clarification

Children Education Allowance can be claimed even in case of loss of fee receipts

Important Clarification on Hostel Subsidy under Children Education Allowance Scheme

As contradictory instructions / guidelines with respect of documents to be submitted would delay the sanction process of CEA, Govt will have to clarify whether original fee receipts are to be submitted along with certificate issued by the School authorities.