Sub : Multiple HRA deduction in case of sharing of Govt. Accommodation by family members - A gross injustice and an illogical rule.
Pls. Provide legal advice on what to do ???
Myself is working in National Institute for the Hearing Handicapped, Mumbai and my wife is a teacher in a state aided school. As I stay in staff quarters myself & wife both do not get HRA. I would like to present my views on the same-
1. Many of the persons who draw HRA have their own house and do not incur additional expenditure for housing. Suppose there are more than one Govt. employee from the same family staying in own home (same house) then all will get HRA. This means Many HRA for one house.
2. Govt. quarters are availed by those who can not afford to have own house in the place of duty. Suppose there are more than one Govt. employee from the same family staying in Govt. Quarter then nobody will get HRA. This means many Rents (HRA) are deducted for one house.
3. If HRA is treated as charge for accommodation - Then deduct only one HRA as per logic. Also it may not be feasible to add up the notional HRAs ( or Basic Pay ) of more than one Government servant staying in single accommodation to provide a higher type of accommodation and to somewhat justify the multiple HRA deduction.
4. Existing rule cripple the Government staff (staying in staff quarters) in big cities as it is almost impossible to own a private accommodation near to the place of job and with this multiple HRA deduction (if more than one family member is staying in the same quarter) it is extremely difficult.
5. It is a serious point to think if more than one person from a family is serving the Nation (Government servant) is it required to punish them for that by deducting multiple HRA.
A Request/Suggestion
Deduct only one HRA, even if more than one family members share Govt. accommodation who are employees of Central Government /State Government/ Autonomous Public undertaking / Semi Government /Municipality/Port trust/Nationalised Banks/ LIC of India etc. ( as per the existing list who do not get HRA when Govt. accommodation is shared). The HRA deducted shall be based only on the Pay ( as per standard rate )of the allottee. If HRA is already being deducted by organizations other than that of allottee then deduct/reimburse the difference amount as HRA so that the total HRA deducted will be equivalent to HRA of the allottee.( give HRA to the extent of over deduction ) [ It may be difficult to implement it immediately for State Govt. & other undertakings and so this arrangement will help and subsequently all can be instructed that only one HRA to be deducted ]
(P.M.Mathew)
