Rule 12 of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964 - Subscriptions
Rule 12 of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 regulates fundraising, subscriptions and collections by Government servants. The rule requires previous sanction of the Government or the prescribed authority before a Government servant asks for or accepts contributions, or otherwise associates with raising funds or collections.
Rule 12 - Subscriptions
No Government servant shall, except with the previous sanction of the Government or of the prescribed authority, ask for or accept contributions to, or otherwise associate himself with the raising of, any funds or other collections in cash or in kind in pursuance of any object whatsoever.
Meaning and scope of Rule 12
The rule is framed broadly. It covers not only personally collecting money, but also asking others to contribute, accepting contributions and otherwise associating with the raising of funds or collections. It applies whether the collection is in cash or in kind and regardless of the object for which the collection is proposed.
The central compliance requirement is previous sanction. In practical terms, where Rule 12 applies, the required approval should exist before the Government servant begins soliciting, accepting or associating with the collection. The competent authority will depend on the applicable Government orders, departmental instructions and delegation of powers.
Key points for Government servants
- Do not begin a subscription drive or collection merely because the purpose is charitable, social, welfare-oriented or otherwise well-intentioned.
- The restriction covers contributions and collections both in cash and in kind.
- Participation can extend beyond physically receiving money; association with the raising of funds is also covered by the text of Rule 12.
- Where sanction is required, it must be obtained beforehand from the Government or the prescribed authority.
- Departmental orders or Government instructions may clarify the competent authority and treatment of particular collections.
Related provisions
For connected conduct requirements, see Rule 11 - Communication of official information, Rule 13 - Gifts, Rule 15 - Private trade or employment, and the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 index.
Official references
For verification and later amendments, consult the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), the DoPT circulars repository, and the Government-hosted CCS (Conduct) Rules page.