India 2018

Finance 245
outcomes through an improved Outcome Budget document, all needed to be
reflected in the GFRs. Increased focus on Public Finance Management
System(PFMS), reliance on the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Scheme to ensure
efficient delivery of entitlements, introduction of new e-sites like Central Public
Procurement Portal, Government e-Marketing (GeM) Portal, Non-Tax Revenue
Portal have also necessitated revision of the existing GFRs to keep them in tune
with the changing business environment. The objective was to make the GFRs
facilitate efficiency while following principles of accountability and procedures
of financial discipline and administrative due diligence. New rules on non-tax
revenues, user charges, e-receipts portal were added in addition to the manner
in which Autonomous Bodies are run.
Digitization Initiatives
The Public Financial Management System (PFMS) is a web-based online
software application designed, developed, owned and implemented by the CGA
with the aim to provide a sound public financial management system by
establishing a comprehensive payment, receipt and accounting network. It has
been aimed to achieve (i) "Just in time" transfer of funds and (ii) complete
tracking of realization of funds from its release to its credit into the bank account
of intended beneficiaries. PFMS makes a direct and significant contribution to
the Digital India initiative by enabling electronic payment and receipts for
ministries/departments in Government of India. Integration with financial IT
systems of various state governments is one key objective of PFMS which will
facilitate complete tracking of funds transferred for scheme implementation
and provide more holistic view of finances available for welfare programmes.
Launch of Non-Tax Receipt Portal (NTRP): In order to ensure faster realization of
government revenue, other than direct and indirect tax receipts, an online system
has been developed whereby ministries/departments can facilitate accepting
receipts from various government agencies/PSUs etc. including for the general
public electronically.
Web Responsive Pensioners' Service (WRPS): Central Pension Accounting Office
(CPAO), took an important step towards empowerment of central civil
pensioners by launching 'Web Responsive Pensioners' Service' of CPAO. This
IT initiative provides various services including pension and payment
information, online pension process tracking and online grievance redressal
and tracking for the pensioners.
A centralised database on Autonomous Bodies (ABs) was set up in the website
of Department of Expenditure.
Department of Revenue
The Department of Revenue exercises control in respect of revenue matters
relating to Direct and Indirect Union taxes through two statutory boards namely,
the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and the Central Board of Excise and