संशोधित ब्रीफ़केस भत्ता 2025: केंद्र सरकार की प्रतिपूर्ति नीतियों की व्याख्या: ब्रीफकेस भत्ते का नवीनतम आदेश
7th CPC Briefcase Allowance 2025: The Seventh Pay Commission has implemented a new allowance aimed at assisting employees with the expenses associated with briefcases, official bags, and ladies’ purses. This allowance acknowledges the significance of these items as vital tools for employees to transport important documents, laptops, and other work-related materials. It is intended to help mitigate the costs of acquiring these items, which can often be quite high, particularly for those who must replace them frequently due to wear and tear.
This allowance is accessible to all eligible employees and seeks to offer additional support to those who require it in their daily professional activities. As part of their entitlements, CG officers have the option to procure briefcases, office bags, and ladies’ purses from any private or public retailer. They are free to select items that align with their personal style and preferences, allowing them to feel both comfortable and professional while at work. Nevertheless, it is crucial to understand that reimbursement for these purchases is subject to financial limits, ensuring that expenditures remain reasonable and within budget.
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Briefcase Allowance 2025: Latest Ceiling Rates and Entitlement Guide
In accordance with the directive issued by the Department of Expenditure on May 1, 2024, the monetary ceiling for the reimbursement of Briefcases, Office Bags, and Ladies’ Purses has been revised. This revision includes both the current rate ceiling and the newly updated ceiling rates, which also account for GST.
- Pay Level 6: Rs. 3500 to 4375
- Pay Level 8 to 10: Rs. 4000 to 5000
- Pay Level 13: Rs. 5000 to 6250
- Pay Level 14: Rs. 6500 to 8125
- Pay Level 15 and 16: Rs. 8000 to 10000
- Pay Level 17: Rs. 10000 to 12500
Briefcase Allowance Reimbursement Rules for Central Govt Employees – Updated 2025
The reimbursement of the Briefcase Allowance within Central Government Services pertains to the compensation provided for expenses incurred in the acquisition of a briefcase or bag utilized for official responsibilities. This allowance is specifically intended to assist employees in the secure and safe transportation of essential documents and equipment. The reimbursement applies to individuals employed in a range of central government services, which include, but are not limited to, administrative services, civil services, and defense services. The reimbursement amount may differ based on the policies of the organization and the specific nature of the employee’s role.
Railway Board order
In accordance with the order from the Railway Board dated 10 April 2019, the adjustment of the financial limit established by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) for the acquisition of briefcases, women’s handbags, or purses:
| Level of Officers [Once in 3 years] | Existing Monetary Ceiling | Revised Monetary Ceiling |
| Board Members / DGs (Apex Level) | Rs. 10,000 | Rs. 10,000 |
| Advisors / PED / Addl. Members (HA Grade) or equivalent | Rs. 8,000 | Rs. 8,000 |
| Joint Secretary / Executive Directors (SA Grade) or equivalent | Rs. 6,500 | Rs. 6,500 |
| Director / Joint Director / Deputy Secretary / PSO / Sr. PPS or equivalent | Rs. 4,500 | Rs. 5,000 |
| Deputy Director / Under Secretary / PPS or equivalent | Rs. 4,000 | Rs. 4,000 |
| Section Officer / PS or equivalent | Rs. 3,500 | Rs. 4,000 |
| Assistant Section Officer / PA / Inspector or equivalent | Rs. 3,000 | Rs. 3,500 |
The reimbursement will be confined to the aforementioned ceiling limits, contingent upon the provision of appropriate invoices or bills that include the GST number, Book number, and the invoice number of the trader. The bills must explicitly state the name of the article as well as the names of the Officers or Staff who are acquiring the article.
Overview of DIPAM 2025
In accordance with the directive released on 20 July 2017 by the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management, the former and updated ceiling concerning the officers:
| Level of Officers [Once in 3 years] | Existing Monetary Ceiling | Revised Monetary Ceiling |
| Secretary, Special Secretary or Equivalent | Rs. 7,000 | Rs. 10,000 |
| Addl. Secretary & equivalent | Rs. 6,000 | Rs. 8,000 |
| Joint Secretary & equivalent | Rs. 5,000 | Rs. 6,500 |
| Director / Dy. Secy. /PSO/Sr. PPS or equivalent | Rs. 4,000 | Rs. 5,000 |
| Under Secretary / PPS or equivalent | Rs. 3,000 | Rs. 4,000 |
| Section Officer or equivalent | Rs. 2,400 | Rs. 4,000 |
| Assistant / PA or equivalent | Rs. 2,000 | Rs. 3,500 |
The Briefcase, Office Bag, and Lady’s Purse will be provided to the aforementioned officers upon the completion of three years from the date of issuance of the previous items.
According to the CDA order dated 31st January 2017, individuals receiving a Grade Pay ranging from Rs. 4600 to Rs. 5400, regardless of their gazetted status, are permitted to acquire a briefcase, official bag, or ladies’ purse of their preference from any private or public store. Nevertheless, the reimbursement will be limited to Rs. 3000, in accordance with the respective level/grade pay of the officer or official, as established in the Ministry of Defence.
Defence Ministry Updates Briefcase Allowance for Armed Forces
The CGDA released directives on 29th May 2020 concerning the eligibility criteria and updated rates for the reimbursement of briefcase allowance for DAD personnel and officers. The updated rates and entitlements for the briefcase allowance will take effect from 1st June 2020.
| Level of Officers / Officials (DAD) | Level of Officers / Officials (DAD) | Rates |
| Secretary/Special Secretary | CGDA | Rs. 9,000 |
| Addl. Secretary & Equivalent | Addl. CGDA / PCsDA and equivalent | Rs. 8,000 |
| Joint Secretary & Equivalent | CsDA and equivalent | Rs. 6,500 |
| Director/Dy. Secy./Sr. PPS & Equivalent | Addl. CsDA / Jt. CsDA and equivalent | Rs. 5,000 |
| Under Secretary/PPS & Equivalent | DCsDA / PPSs and equivalent | Rs. 4,000 |
| Desk Officer/Section Officer & Equivalent | ACsDA / ADs (OL) / Sr.AOs / AOs / AAOs / SPSs and equivalent | Rs. 3,500 |
| Assistant/ PA (GP Rs. 4600) & Equivalent | Non-Gazetted Staff in the Grade pay equivalent Rs. 4600 and above. | Rs. 3,000 |
In accordance with the directive issued on 28 January 2020 by the Controller General of Defence Accounts, the reimbursement of briefcase allowance to the officers and staff of DAD will be provided at different rates as specified by the Ministry of Defence (Finance) in its circular No. S(10)/2013/Gen dated 16th April 2013.
7th CPC Briefcase Allowance Guidelines for Government Employees
Specific groups of Central Government employees are eligible for reimbursement of costs associated with the acquisition of briefcases, official bags, or purses in accordance with the following stipulations:
| Pay Band | GP Ceiling |
| Apex | 10000 |
| HAG, HAG+ | 8000 |
| GP 10000 | 6500 |
| GP 7600 to GP 8700 | 5000 |
| GP 4800 to GP 6600 | 4000 |
The reimbursement frequency is limited to once every three years. No requests have been submitted concerning this allowance.
Analysis and Recommendations: The Commission believes that the current rates are sufficient. However, the ceiling will be raised by an additional 25 percent each time the DA increases by 50 percent.
New Briefcase Allowance Structure Implemented in 2021
Here’s a clear table summarizing the revised monetary ceiling for reimbursement of the cost of a Briefcase/Handbag as per the PCDA order dated 19th January 2021:
| Pay Level / Grade Pay (GP) | Level | Ceiling Amount (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Apex | Level 17 | ₹10,000 |
| HAG, HAG+ | Level 15 & 16 | ₹8,000 |
| GP ₹10,000 | Level 14 | ₹6,500 |
| GP ₹7,600 to ₹8,700 | Level 12 & 13 | ₹5,000 |
| GP ₹4,800 to ₹6,600 | Level 8 to 11 | ₹4,000 |
| GP ₹4,200 to ₹4,600 | Level 6 & 7 | ₹3,500 |
The ceiling mentioned above will additionally rise by 25% each time there is a 50% increase in DA.
Calculation of the Residual Value of a Laptop
Clarification regarding the provision of laptops to officers instead of desktops: The calculation of the residual value of laptops is expressed as a percentage in accordance with the Laptop Policy [Click to view more].
Department of Fisheries: Eligibility and Rates for Briefcase Allowance
The Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Dairying, and Fisheries (Department of Fisheries) issued an order on June 17, 2019, concerning the reimbursement of expenses related to a Briefcase, Office Bag, and Lady’s Purse. Click to view the order
Level of Officers / Rates limit (One in 3 years)
- Secretary / Special Secretary or equivalent: Rs. 10,000
- AS & Equivalent: Rs. 8,000
- JS & Equivalent: Rs. 6,500
- Director & Equivalent: Rs. 5,000
- DS / Sr. PPS or Equivalent: Rs. 5,000
- US / PPS & Equivalent: Rs. 4,000
- SO / PS & Equivalent: Rs. 4,000
- ASO / PA (GP. Rs. 4,600/-) & Equivalent: Rs. 3,500
What does the Briefcase allowance refer to?
A specific category of officers within Central Government Services is eligible to receive an allowance for managing official documents.
What is the amount of the Briefcase allowance under the 7th Central Pay Commission?
The minimum allowance for a Briefcase is set at Rs.3500, while the maximum monetary limit is Rs.10000 following the 7th Central Pay Commission.
What is the duration of entitlement for the Briefcase allowance?
Every three years, eligible officers are permitted to request reimbursement for the expenses incurred in acquiring a briefcase, official bag, or ladies’ purse of their preference from any private or public retailer.