The Haryana Cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini here today, approved an amendment to Rule 8.14 (b) of the Haryana Financial Rules, Volume-I, to introduce a standardized format for submission of Utilization Certificates (UCs) for grants-in-aid. At present, institutions, local bodies, boards, corporations and cooperative societies receiving grants-in-aid are required to furnish Utilization Certificates to confirm that funds have been used for the intended purpose, however no uniform format had been prescribed under the existing rules.
This had led to variations in reporting and challenges in ensuring consistency and transparency. To address this gap, the Cabinet approved the insertion of a detailed proforma of Utilization Certificate within the rules.
The standardized format has been designed to bring uniformity across all departments and entities receiving government grants, and incorporates inputs from the Principal Accountant General (Accounts and Entitlement), Haryana. Under the amended provision, the officer responsible for sanctioning or drawing the grant will be required to certify that the conditions attached to the grant have been fulfilled.
The Utilization Certificate will be submitted in the prescribed format at intervals agreed upon with the Principal Accountant General. The rules also mandate verification mechanisms, including maintenance of records, submission of supporting documents, and audit or inspection checks to ensure proper utilization of funds.
The decision is expected to enhance financial discipline, transparency, and accountability in the utilization of public funds across departments and institutions in Haryana.