As per the current practice, Central Government officials/employees are allowed to purchase briefcase/office bag/ladies purse once in every three years. Government employees can purchase office bag/briefcase/purse at their own expense and later the money for it is given by the government. An important order has been issued by the Finance Ministry regarding this.
Order issued to amend the amount
Till now, less amount was available for purchasing briefcase/office bag/ladies purse, which has been increased from 1st May 2024. An important order has been issued by the Central Government regarding the amount of increase.
Let me tell you that the amount for purchasing briefcase/office bag/ladies purse has been increased from 1st May 2024. Assistant Section Officer or its equivalent officer can now purchase office bags up to Rs. 4375, earlier this limit was up to Rs. 3000. Whereas, Pay Section Officer or its equivalent officer can purchase briefcase or bag up to Rs. 5000.
Revised Table
The previous and revised threshold amounts in respect of officers/employees are shown in this table.
| Sr. No. | Level of Officers/Officials | Existing Ceiling | Revised Ceiling incl. of GST | Period |
| 1 | Secretary/ Special Secretary of Equivalent (Level 17) | 10000 | 12500 | Once in 3 Year |
| 2 | Addl. Secretary or Equivalent (Level 15-16) | 8000 | 10000 | Once in 3 Year |
| 3 | Joint Secretary or Equivalent (Level 14) | 6500 | 8125 | Once in 3 Year |
| 4 | Director/Dy. Secy/Sr. PPS or Equivalent (Level 12-13) | 5000 | 6250 | Once in 3 Year |
| 5 | Under Secretary/PPS or Equivalent( Level 11) | 4000 | 5000 | Once in 3 Year |
| 6 | Section Officer/PS or Equivalent (Level 8-10) | 4000 | 5000 | Once in 3 Year |
| 7 | Assistant Section Officer/PA or Equivalent (Level-7) | 3500 | 4375 | Once in 3 Year |
Briefcase/Office Bag/Ladies Purse can be purchased by the officer/employee himself and its certified original has to be sent to the General Administration Branch stating that the Briefcase/Office Bag/Ladies Purse has been purchased and it should be reimbursed. As per this order of the Central Government, it will be reimbursed as per the amount mentioned above with effect from May 1, 2024.