ब्रीफ़केस भत्ता 2025: सीजी कर्मचारियों के लिए अद्यतन अधिकतम दरें और प्रतिपूर्ति नियम
7th CPC Briefcase Allowance 2025: The Seventh Pay Commission has introduced a new allowance designed to assist employees with the costs related to briefcases, official bags, and ladies’ purses. This allowance recognizes the importance of these items as essential tools for employees to carry important documents, laptops, and other work-related materials. It aims to alleviate the financial burden of acquiring these items, which can often be quite substantial, especially for those who need to replace them frequently due to wear and tear.
This allowance is available to all eligible employees and aims to provide additional support to those who need it in their daily professional tasks. As part of their entitlements, CG officers have the option to purchase briefcases, office bags, and ladies’ purses from any private or public retailer. They are free to choose items that reflect their personal style and preferences, enabling them to feel both comfortable and professional while at work. However, it is important to note that reimbursement for these purchases is subject to financial limits, ensuring that expenses remain reasonable and within budget.
Briefcase Allowance 2025: Updated Ceiling Rates for Government Employees
In accordance with the directive issued by the Department of Expenditure on May 1, 2024, the monetary limit for the reimbursement of Briefcases, Office Bags, and Ladies’ Purses has been updated. This update encompasses both the existing rate limit and the newly revised ceiling rates, which also include GST.
- Pay Level 6: Rs. 3500 to 4375
- Pay Level 8 to 10: Rs. 4000 to 5000
- Pay Level 13: Rs. 5000 to 6250
- Pay Level 14: Rs. 6500 to 8125
- Pay Level 15 and 16: Rs. 8000 to 10000
- Pay Level 17: Rs. 10000 to 12500
Table of Contents
Central Government Briefcase Allowance 2025: Reimbursement Policy Explained
The reimbursement of the Briefcase Allowance within Central Government Services relates to the compensation offered for costs associated with the purchase of a briefcase or bag used for official duties. This allowance is designed to aid employees in the secure and safe transport of vital documents and equipment.
The reimbursement is applicable to individuals working in various central government services, which encompass, but are not limited to, administrative services, civil services, and defense services. The amount reimbursed may vary according to the organization’s policies and the specific nature of the employee’s position.
Railway Board order
In compliance with the directive issued by the Railway Board on 10 April 2019, the modification of the financial ceiling set by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) for the procurement of briefcases, women’s handbags, or purses:
| Level of Officers [Once in 3 years] | Existing Monetary Ceiling | Revised Monetary Ceiling |
| Board Members / DGs (Apex Level) | Rs. 10,000 | Rs. 10,000 |
| Advisors / PED / Addl. Members (HA Grade) or equivalent | Rs. 8,000 | Rs. 8,000 |
| Joint Secretary / Executive Directors (SA Grade) or equivalent | Rs. 6,500 | Rs. 6,500 |
| Director / Joint Director / Deputy Secretary / PSO / Sr. PPS or equivalent | Rs. 4,500 | Rs. 5,000 |
| Deputy Director / Under Secretary / PPS or equivalent | Rs. 4,000 | Rs. 4,000 |
| Section Officer / PS or equivalent | Rs. 3,500 | Rs. 4,000 |
| Assistant Section Officer / PA / Inspector or equivalent | Rs. 3,000 | Rs. 3,500 |
The reimbursement will be limited to the previously mentioned ceiling limits, dependent on the submission of suitable invoices or bills that contain the GST number, Book number, and the trader’s invoice number. The bills must clearly indicate the name of the item as well as the names of the Officers or Staff members who are obtaining the item.
How DIPAM Drives Disinvestment and Asset Monetization in India
In compliance with the directive issued on July 20, 2017, by the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management, the previous and revised ceiling regarding the officers:
| Level of Officers [Once in 3 years] | Existing Monetary Ceiling | Revised Monetary Ceiling |
| Secretary, Special Secretary or Equivalent | Rs. 7,000 | Rs. 10,000 |
| Addl. Secretary & equivalent | Rs. 6,000 | Rs. 8,000 |
| Joint Secretary & equivalent | Rs. 5,000 | Rs. 6,500 |
| Director / Dy. Secy. /PSO/Sr. PPS or equivalent | Rs. 4,000 | Rs. 5,000 |
| Under Secretary / PPS or equivalent | Rs. 3,000 | Rs. 4,000 |
| Section Officer or equivalent | Rs. 2,400 | Rs. 4,000 |
| Assistant / PA or equivalent | Rs. 2,000 | Rs. 3,500 |
The Briefcase, Office Bag, and Lady’s Purse will be issued to the specified officers after they have completed three years from the date the previous items were provided.
As per the CDA order dated 31st January 2017, individuals with a Grade Pay between Rs. 4600 and Rs. 5400, irrespective of their gazetted status, are allowed to select a briefcase, official bag, or ladies’ purse of their choice from any private or public retailer. However, the reimbursement will be capped at Rs. 3000, in line with the corresponding level/grade pay of the officer or official, as determined by the Ministry of Defence.
Revised Briefcase Allowance Announced for Defence Personnel 2025
On 29th May 2020, the CGDA issued directives regarding the eligibility criteria and revised rates for the reimbursement of briefcase allowance applicable to DAD personnel and officers. The revised rates and entitlements for the briefcase allowance will be effective starting from 1st June 2020.
| Level of Officers / Officials (DAD) | Level of Officers / Officials (DAD) | Rates |
| Secretary/Special Secretary | CGDA | Rs. 9,000 |
| Addl. Secretary & Equivalent | Addl. CGDA / PCsDA and equivalent | Rs. 8,000 |
| Joint Secretary & Equivalent | CsDA and equivalent | Rs. 6,500 |
| Director/Dy. Secy./Sr. PPS & Equivalent | Addl. CsDA / Jt. CsDA and equivalent | Rs. 5,000 |
| Under Secretary/PPS & Equivalent | DCsDA / PPSs and equivalent | Rs. 4,000 |
| Desk Officer/Section Officer & Equivalent | ACsDA / ADs (OL) / Sr.AOs / AOs / AAOs / SPSs and equivalent | Rs. 3,500 |
| Assistant/ PA (GP Rs. 4600) & Equivalent | Non-Gazetted Staff in the Grade pay equivalent Rs. 4600 and above. | Rs. 3,000 |
In compliance with the directive released on 28 January 2020 by the Controller General of Defence Accounts, the reimbursement for briefcase allowance to the officers and staff of DAD will be granted at varying rates as outlined by the Ministry of Defence (Finance) in its circular No. S(10)/2013/Gen dated 16th April 2013.
Briefcase Allowance as per 7th CPC: Key Highlights
The Briefcase, Office Bag, and Lady’s Purse will be issued to the specified officers after they have completed three years from the date the previous items were provided.
| Pay Band | GP Ceiling |
| Apex | 10000 |
| HAG, HAG+ | 8000 |
| GP 10000 | 6500 |
| GP 7600 to GP 8700 | 5000 |
| GP 4800 to GP 6600 | 4000 |
The frequency of reimbursement is restricted to once every three years. No requests have been made regarding this allowance.
Analysis and Recommendations: The Commission is of the opinion that the existing rates are adequate. Nevertheless, the maximum limit will be increased by an extra 25 percent whenever the DA rises by 50 percent.
Briefcase Allowance Revised in 2021
Below is a concise table that outlines the updated monetary limit for the reimbursement of expenses related to a Briefcase/Handbag, in accordance with the PCDA order issued on 19th January 2021:
| Pay Level / Grade Pay (GP) | Level | Ceiling Amount (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Apex | Level 17 | ₹10,000 |
| HAG, HAG+ | Level 15 & 16 | ₹8,000 |
| GP ₹10,000 | Level 14 | ₹6,500 |
| GP ₹7,600 to ₹8,700 | Level 12 & 13 | ₹5,000 |
| GP ₹4,800 to ₹6,600 | Level 8 to 11 | ₹4,000 |
| GP ₹4,200 to ₹4,600 | Level 6 & 7 | ₹3,500 |
The aforementioned ceiling will further increase by 25% each time there is a 50% rise in DA.
Calculation of the Residual Value of a Laptop
Clarification concerning the allocation of laptops to officers in place of desktops: The assessment of the residual value of laptops is represented as a percentage in alignment with the Laptop Policy [Click to view more].
Briefcase Allowance Details for Department of Fisheries Officials
The Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Dairying, and Fisheries (Department of Fisheries) released an order on June 17, 2019, regarding the reimbursement of costs associated with a Briefcase, Office Bag, and Lady’s Purse. Click to view the order
Level of Officers / Rates limit (One in 3 years)
- Secretary / Special Secretary or equivalent: Rs. 10,000
- AS & Equivalent: Rs. 8,000
- JS & Equivalent: Rs. 6,500
- Director & Equivalent: Rs. 5,000
- DS / Sr. PPS or Equivalent: Rs. 5,000
- US / PPS & Equivalent: Rs. 4,000
- SO / PS & Equivalent: Rs. 4,000
- ASO / PA (GP. Rs. 4,600/-) & Equivalent: Rs. 3,500
What is meant by the Briefcase allowance?
A designated group of officers within the Central Government Services qualifies for an allowance intended for the management of official documents.
What is the value of the Briefcase allowance as per the 7th Central Pay Commission?
The minimum allowance for a Briefcase is established at Rs.3500, whereas the maximum financial limit is Rs.10000 in accordance with the 7th Central Pay Commission.
What is the length of time for which one is entitled to the Briefcase allowance?
Every three years, qualified officers are allowed to seek reimbursement for the costs associated with obtaining a briefcase, official bag, or ladies’ purse of their choice from any private or public vendor.