DEFENCE SERVICE REGULATIONS - Military Engineer Services

322. The degree of responsibility at each engineer level in respect of administrative and technical
planning will be as laid down by the E in C from time to time.
All phases of planning will be carried out at the appropriate level in order that engineer effort may be
conserved.
Scales and Design of Buildings
323. The scales and details of accommodation approved by the G of I in respect of buildings and
other structures are contained in the ‘Barrack Synopsis’ and may be supplemented by Government orders
from time to time. Any increase over these scales requires the approval of the G of I in the case of new
buildings and of the administrative authority competent to approve the service in the case of adaptation of
existing buildings for purposes which can be authorised without the approval of the G of I. In other cases the
general design and specifications will be furnished with the approximate estimate and will be approved by the
authority according administrative approval to the work.
324. It is not obligatory to apply changes in scale of accommodation or general design in the case of
works to which administrative approval has been accorded before the introduction of the changes. Each case
will be treated on its merits.
325. Standard line plans, embodying the scales by the G of I, will be issued by the E in C from time
to time. An outline general specification approved by the G of I will similarly be issued. These plans and
specifications as will be used as a basis for development with such modifications as may be necessary to meet
local requirements of site, aspect, materials, etc. Supplementary drawings for external services will be
prepared locally,
326. Powers of approval of designs are given in Table B. The officer empowered to approve a
design is responsible that the concurrence of all departments and service affected is obtained.
327. The Government Buildings Act, 1899. is
applicable to such military stations as are situated within the limits of a municipality and also to cantonments
(vide Section 291, Cantonments Act 1924). The provisions of this Act will be complied with by the MES
authorities and reasonable notice of the construction or material structural alteration of buildings will
ordinarily be sent to the Cantonment Board or Municipal authority, as the case may be, as required by Section
3 of the Act.
Sections 178A to 189, Cantonment Act, 1924, in respect of builidings, etc. within a cantonment will
also be complied with in all respects.
Estimates
328. Estimates fall under three main categories: –
(a) Rough Cost.
(b) Indication of Cost,
(c) Approximate Estimate.
329. A rough Cost is empirical in nature and is given on a ‘not exceeding’ basis, the object being
merely to determine the CFA.
330. An Indication of Cost is required for submission to the authority competent to accept
the necessity for a service. It will be based upon plinth area or other rates for the particular type of
construction with percentage of the total cost added for accessory services. The estimate should contain
sufficient detail to enable engineer officers in higher formations to judge whether the cost given is reasonable.
If necessary, further details will be called for through engineer channels.
331. An Approximate Estimate is required for the purpose of administrative approval and will be
based on plinth area, cube, or unit rates for any similar works carried out. Approximate costs may be given for
such items of work, details of which are not fully known at the time of preparation of the estimate, or for items
for which no previous rates exist.
332. When necessary, separate provision will be made in an Approximate Estimate for charges in
respect of special establishment and special T & P (see para 311).
333. The engineer officer who prepares an approximate estimate is responsible thft it is as accurate
as possible in the circumstances. He will decide on the amount of details to be submitted in support of the
costs quoted in the estimate.
334. All estimates will be prepared by engineer
officers competent to do so as laid down by the E in C. Checks will be exercised by the next higher engineer
authority only.
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