The Finance Ministry has revised the rates for serving of refreshment during meetings (i) Banquet rates for meeting with foreign entities (2) Official meetings/seminars/conferences.

Revision of Banquet rates for serving of refreshment during meetings with foreign entities: Finance Ministry OM

No. 7(3)/E-Coord/2013

Government of India

Ministry of Finance

Department of Expenditure

Dated the 6th May, 2015

The undersigned is directed to refer to the Department of Expenditure O.M. No. 7(1)/E.Coord/2014 dated 29-10-2014 on the subject mentioned above whereby a ban has been imposed on holding meetings and conferences at Five Star Hotels except in case of bi-lateral / multi-lateral official engagements which are held at the level of Minister-in-Charge or Administrative Secretary with Foreign Governments or International Bodies of which India is a Member.

2. A number of references from various Ministries are being received where in view of the nature / level of international engagements as also availability of venue for such meetings, official engagements are proposed in Five Star Hotels and such meetings include extension of hospitality in the form of Lunch / Dinner etc.

3. In this context, it has been decided to extend rates as fixed by MEA for Lunch Dinner as follows:-

4. The Administrative Secretary in consultation with the Financial Advisor would need to exercise utmost discretion and ensure that the above ceiling is adhered to keeping in View the austerity instructions contained in Department of Expenditure OM No. 7(1)/E.Coord/2014 dated 29-10-2014 and Cabinet Secretary’s DC. No. 213/1/2/2015-CA.IV dated 11-02-2015 for strict compliance.

[N. Radhakrishnan]

Director

No. 7(3)/E-Coord/2013

Government of India

Ministry of Finance

Department of Expenditure

North Block, New Delhi

Dated the 6th May, 2015

The undersigned is directed to refer to the Department of Expenditure OM. No. 7(2)E-Coord/03 dated 25.3.2004 on the subject mentioned above whereby the ceiling of Rs. 150/- per head was fixed for serving refreshment/working lunch during meetings/seminars/conferences.

2. A number of proposals have been received from various Ministries/Departments seeking relaxation of the above ceiling.

3. The matter has been re-examined and it has been decided to revise the ceiling of Rs. 150/- per head for serving refreshments/working lunch during meetings/seminars/conferences etc. in the following manner:

4. The Administrative Secretary in consultation with the Financial ’Advisor would need to exercise utmost discretion While deciding expenditure on above account keeping in mind economy in expenditure and adherence of financial rules/norms/propriety.

[N. Radhakrishnan]

Director