In keeping with our promise to deliver prompt and accurate services to the Jawans that we endeavor to serve, the PAO is taking initiatives to bring quality services to the very doorstep of the soldiers of the Indian Army. For the very first time, an initiative has been taken to send the Form 16 on-line, via the Army Intranet, which will make it possible for all Jawans to view, download and print the same, wherever they are stationed. It is believed that this will considerably reduce delays and errors that creep in in the receipt of these Form-16s by the individuals.
The PAO has already started making Fund Payments through the Salary Accounts of the ORs, with the sole aim of cutting down of delays involved in the money reaching the concerned individuals on time. The PAO is making similar efforts in releasing all payments towards final settlements of Accounts as well as terminal benefits in cases of deaths and desertions.
I once again remind all concerned to make full use of the PAO’s website, where the ORs can view their Monthly Statements of Accounts and which also includes a query/grievances page, wherein the Jawans can lodge their query or grievances. It is the aim of the PAO to settle this query as soon as possible and post a reply to the query through the website.
It is my request to all the Commandant of the Centre/COs/OCs of various units/ heads of Formations to disseminate the web address of our PAO amongst all the PBOR and encourage them to generously use this facility. It is also requested that full assistance be provided to the Jawans to enable them to view, print and download their Form-16, as well as their Monthly Statement of Accounts, at the very units where they are posted. These are being uploaded on to the websites of the Record Offices, to facilitate their easy viewing and downloading by the Jawans.
Please also ensure that every Jawan serving with you has applied for a PAN number and the same has been forwarded to the PAO. This is of utmost importance if the Jawan has to claim a refund from the Income Tax department at any point of time. The Jawans may also be educated about filing their Income Tax returns on time and through e-filing, which allows them to claim refunds from the Income tax authorities even if they have moved out from their original places of posting.
I would once again like to remind the COs/OCs of various units that the PAO requires their help in ensuring that all ORs get correct, accurate and timely payment of their dues. This, they can ensure by minimizing cases of wrong/incorrect/belated publications of DO IIs by units & formations. I especially request you that in cases of Overstay of Leave (OSL) by a PBOR, his rejoining DO II should be forwarded on priority & separately by name to the PAO I/c, so that the PAO can take immediate action to revive the pay of the rejoined Jawan. Similarly, in cases of Absent Without Leave(AWL) or Deserter cases, where the PBOR has rejoined, the two DO IIs i.e. for declaring him as AWL and as a Deserter should be cancelled together, failing which the Jawan’s Pay & Allowances would not be revived. I would also request all heads of Units & formations to suitably advise the clerical staff, so that instances of incorrect publications of DO II could be avoided all together.
It may also please be ensured that all units and formations forward to us their DOIIs in soft formats alsongwith the hard copies, which make it easier and faster for us to feed and therefore act on these DOIIs. I once again enjoin upon you all to ensure that DOIIs are published on a daily basis at the unit level, which is the most important factor in ensuring that a Jawan gets his due on time.
And finally, please do educate the Jawans on the benefits of maintaining a constant, single salary account, for their entire tenure of service. Also encourage them to get in touch with the PAO immediately for cases/complaints of excess credits/payments to their pay accounts so that immediate recovery of any wrong payment(s) made could be affected. It is our firm belief that the PAO would not be able to provide quality services to the Jawans without the help and cooperation of all Units and Formations concerned.
I close, with the warmest wishes for the New Year ahead, while promising greater efforts in times to come, to make the lives of the men we serve, easier.