## Report on the Major Port Authorities Accounts and Audit Rules, 2021
**1. Executive Summary:**
This report analyzes the Major Port Authorities Accounts and Audit Rules, 2021, as outlined in the provided policy text. This new policy establishes a framework for financial management, budgeting, accounting practices, and auditing procedures for Major Port Authorities. It mandates the preparation and submission of budgets, the maintenance of accounts, and the appointment of internal auditors. The policy aims to ensure transparency, accountability, and sound financial governance within these port authorities. The key finding is that this policy provides a structured approach to financial oversight and reporting within the Major Port Authorities.
**2. Introduction:**
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the Major Port Authorities Accounts and Audit Rules, 2021, based solely on the text of the official notification provided. The purpose is to inform stakeholders, particularly those in the port and shipping industries, about the key provisions and implications of these new rules.
**3. Policy Overview:**
* This is a **New Policy**.
* **Core Objective(s):** As inferred from the text, the core objectives of the Major Port Authorities Accounts and Audit Rules, 2021 are to:
* Establish standardized rules for accounts and audits across all Major Port Authorities.
* Ensure transparent and accurate financial reporting.
* Provide a framework for budgeting, expenditure control, and internal auditing within Major Port Authorities.
* Comply with accounting standards and regulations.
**4. Background and Rationale:**
* **New Policy:** Based on the text, the Major Port Authorities Act, 2021, provides the legal basis for these rules. The policy likely addresses a perceived need for greater financial accountability and standardized procedures within Major Port Authorities. The absence of specific mention suggests this is a new framework aimed at ensuring efficient financial management in line with the 2021 Act. The rational is to establish clear guidelines for financial operations.
**5. Key Provisions / Changes:**
* **New Policy:** The Major Port Authorities Accounts and Audit Rules, 2021, establish the following key provisions:
* **Short Title and Commencement:** The rules are titled "Major Port Authorities Accounts and Audit Rules, 2021" and come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
* **Definitions:** Defines key terms such as "Act," "Audit Officer," "books of account," and "financial year."
* **Preparation and Submission of Budget:** Mandates the preparation of budget estimates by the Chairperson or authorized employee, submission to the Board, review and sanctioning by the Board, forwarding to the Central Government by December 31st of the preceding financial year, review by the Central Government, and final approval by the Board.
* **Supplementary Budget:** Allows for the preparation of supplementary budget estimates during the financial year, subject to the same procedures as the original budget.
* **Reappropriation:** Establishes a process for reallocating funds within the budget, requiring examination of potential savings and Board approval.
* **Maintenance of Accounts:** Requires the Board to maintain accurate and fair books of account, adhering to Central Government specifications.
* **Internal Auditor:** Allows the Board to appoint an internal auditor (chartered accountant, cost and management accountant, or other professional) from a panel maintained by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India or the Reserve Bank of India, with a defined scope, functioning, periodicity, and methodology.
* **Preparation and Submission of Annual Statement of Accounts:** Mandates the preparation of annual statements of accounts, including specific information and particulars, compliance with accounting standards, approval by the Board, authentication, and submission to the Audit Officer.
* **Audit and Reporting:** The Audit Officer is responsible for auditing the annual statement of accounts and submitting a report to the Board.
* **Payment of Audit Fee and Expenses:** The Board is responsible for paying audit fees and expenses to the internal auditor and Audit Officer.
* **Impropriety or Irregularity in Accounts:** The internal auditor or Audit Officer must report any material impropriety, irregularity, defects, loss, or waste to the Board, which must take appropriate action. Differences of opinion between the Board and the Audit Officer are referred to the Central Government for final orders.
**6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:**
Based on the provided text, the target audience and stakeholders include:
* **Major Port Authorities:** The rules directly govern the financial management of these entities.
* **Chairpersons and Board Members of Major Port Authorities:** Responsible for budget preparation, approval, and oversight of financial matters.
* **Employees of Major Port Authorities:** Involved in financial administration, accounting, and budgeting processes.
* **Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG):** Responsible for auditing the accounts of Major Port Authorities.
* **Internal Auditors:** Responsible for conducting internal audits and reporting findings to the Board.
* **Central Government (Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways):** Responsible for reviewing and approving budgets, issuing guidelines, and resolving disputes.
* **Institute of Chartered Accountants of India:** Responsible for establishing accounting standards.
* **Reserve Bank of India:** Provides panel of professionals for internal auditor appointments.
* **Affected Industry:** The financial health and operational efficiency of the ports affect the industry.
**7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):**
* **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Central Government (Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways), the Board of each Major Port Authority, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, and the Internal Auditors are the key responsible bodies.
* **Timelines and Procedures:**
* Budget estimates must be forwarded to the Central Government by December 31st of the preceding financial year.
* The Central Government must return the budget estimate with or without suggestions not later than 30 days prior to the commencement of the financial year.
* Annual statements of accounts must be prepared and submitted to the Audit Officer within a timeframe fixed by the Central Government.
* The Audit Officer must complete the audit within a timeframe fixed by the Central Government.
* Audit fees and expenses must be paid within three months of demand.
**8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:**
* **New Policy:** The expected outcomes of the Major Port Authorities Accounts and Audit Rules, 2021, include:
* Improved financial transparency and accountability within Major Port Authorities.
* Standardized accounting practices and reporting procedures.
* Enhanced budget planning and expenditure control.
* Early detection and prevention of financial irregularities through internal audits.
* Better alignment with accounting standards.
* More efficient financial management and resource allocation.
**9. Conclusion:**
The Major Port Authorities Accounts and Audit Rules, 2021, represent a significant step towards establishing a robust financial governance framework for Major Port Authorities in India. These rules provide a comprehensive set of guidelines for budgeting, accounting, auditing, and reporting, aiming to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency within these vital infrastructure assets. The policy's significance lies in its potential to streamline financial operations, promote responsible resource management, and ensure the long-term financial sustainability of Major Port Authorities.
Key Entities Referenced
NEW DELHI: The city where the notification was issued.
Major Port Authorities Act, 2021: A law referenced in the notification, specifically sections 44 and 71.
Central Government: The governing body responsible for reviewing and approving the budget estimate and for resolving differences of opinion with the Audit Officer.
Major Port Authority: An entity subject to the rules and regulations outlined in the notification.
Comptroller and Auditor General of India: An authority involved in the audit of accounts of the Major Port Authority.
Audit Officer: Represents the Comptroller and Auditor General of India and is responsible for auditing the annual statement of accounts of the Major Port Authority.
Reserve Bank of India: An entity from which a panel of professionals is maintained for appointing an internal auditor.
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India: An organization whose accounting standards are to be complied with by the Major Port Authority.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways: The ministry issuing the notification.
रजिस्ट्री स.ं डी.एल.- 33004/99 REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99
xxxGIDHxxx
सी.जी.-डी.एxलxx.G-अID.E-x2x3x1 12021-231301
CG-DL-E-23112021-231301
असाधारण
EXTRAORDINARY
भाग II—खण् ड 3—उप-खण्ड (i)
PART II—Section 3—Sub-section (i)
प्राजधकार स ेप्रकाजित
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
स.ं 661] नई ददल्ली, मगं लवार, नवम्ब र 23, 2021/अग्रहायण 2, 1943
No. 661] NEW DELHI, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2021/AGRAHAYANA 2, 1943
पत्तन, पोत पररवहन और िलमाग गमत्रं ालय
अजधसचू ना
नई ददल्ली, 22 नवम् बर, 2021
सा. का. जन. 820(अ).—केंद्रीय सरकार, महापत्तन प्राजधकरण अजधजनयम, 2021 (2021 का 1) की धारा 71 की उपधारा (1) के
साथ परित धारा 44 की उपधारा (1) द्वारा प्रदत्त िजियों का प्रयोग करते हुए जनम्नजलजखत जनयम बनाती है, अथागत् :--
1. संजिप्त नाम और प्रारंभ--- (1) इन जनयमों का संजिप्त नाम महापत्तन प्राजधकरण (लेखा और संपरीिा) जनयम, 2021 ह ैं।
(2) ये रािपत्र में उनके प्रकािन की तारीख को प्रवृत्त होंगे ।
2. पररभाषाएं—(1) इन जनयमों में, िब तक दक संदभग से अन्यथा अपेजित न हो,--
(क) ‘’अजधजनयम’’ से महापत्तन प्राजधकरण अजधजनयम, 2021 (2021 का 1) अजभप्रेत ह ै;
(ख) ‘’संपरीिा अजधकारी’’ से भारत का जनयंत्रक और महालेखापरीिक अजभप्रेत ह ैऔर इसके अंतगगत महापत्तन प्राजधकरण के
लेखाओं की संपरीिा से संिि उसके द्वारा जनयुि कोई व्यजि भी सजम्मजलत ह ै ;
(ग) महापत्तन प्राजधकरण के संबध में ‘’लेखा बही’’ के अंतगगत जनम्नजलजखत के संबंध में रखे गए अजभलेख सजम्मजलत ह—ैं
(i) महापत्तन प्राजधकरण द्वारा प्राप्त की गई या प्राप्त होने योग्य और व्यय की गई या व्यय होन े योग्य सभी
धनराजियां और उससे संबंजधत ऐसे जवषय, जिससे प्राजप्तयां और व्यय दकए गए हैं ;
(ii) महापत्तन प्राजधकरण द्वारा माल और सेवाओं के सभी जवक्रय और क्रय ; और
(iii) महापत्तन प्राजधकरण की आजस्ट्तयां और दाजयत्व ;
(घ) ‘’जवत्तीय वषग ” से 1 अप्रैल से प्रारंभ होने वाला वषग अजभप्रेत ह ै।
(2) उन िब्दों और पदों के, िो इसमें प्रयुि हैं और इस जनयमों में पररभाजषत नहीं हैं, दकन्तु अजधजनयम में पररभाजषत हैं, वही अथग होंगे
िो उस अजधजनयम में ह ैं।
6755 GI/2021 (1)2 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(i)]
3. बिट को तैयार करना और प्रस्ट्तुत करना—(1) आगामी जवत्तीय वषग के जलए प्रत्येक महापत्तन प्राजधकरण की आय और व्यय का बिट
प्राक्कलन केंद्रीय सरकार द्वारा ऐसी रीजत में, िो समय-समय पर जनयत दकया िाए, इस जनजमत्त उसके द्वारा प्राजधकृत उि महापत्तन
प्राजधकरण के अध्यि या ऐसे कमगचारी द्वारा तैयार की िाएगी ।
(2) इस प्रकार तैयार दकए गए बिट प्राक्कलन की एक प्रजत बोडग की बैिक के कम से कम सात ददन पूवग बोडग के प्रत्येक सदस्ट्य को भेिी
िाएगी, जिससे उस प्राक्कलन पर जवचार दकया िा सके ।
(3) बोडग, ऐसे पररवतगन के साथ, िो वह उजचत समझे, बिट प्राक्कलन पर जवचार करेगा और उसकी मंिूरी दगे ा या दकसी अन्य बैिक के
जलए बिट प्राक्कलन पर जवचार करने के जलए अस्ट्थजगत की िाएगी ।
(4) उपजनयम (3) के अधीन महापत्तन प्राजधकरण द्वारा मंिूर दकया गया बिट प्राक्कलन महापत्तन प्राजधकरण के बोडग द्वारा केंद्रीय
सरकार को भेिा िाएगा िो जवत्तीय वषग के पूवग जवत्तीय वषग के 31 ददसंबर के बाद का न हो, जिससे बिट प्राक्कलन पर दकया गया
जवचार संबंजधत ह ै।
(5) केंद्रीय सरकार बिट प्राक्कलन का पुनर्ववलोकन करेगी और उसे जवत्तीय वषग के प्रारंभ से पूवग, िो तीस ददनों के बाद का न हो, बोडग को
सुझावों के साथ या उसके जबना वापस भेिेगी ।
(6) उपजनयम (5) के अधीन बिट प्राक्कलन की प्राजप्त पर बोडग, केंद्रीय सरकार द्वारा ददए गए सुझावों पर जवचार करेगा, यदद कोई हो
और ऐसे पररवतगनों के साथ, िो वह िीक समझे, बिट प्राक्कलन को अनुमोददत करेगा ।
4. अनुपूरक बिट—बोडग, जनयम 4 के अधीन पूवग में अनुमोददत दकए गए दकसी बिट प्राक्कलन के जलए दकसी जवत्तीय वषग के दौरान ऐसे
वषग के अवजिष्ट अवजध के जलए एक या एक से अजधक अनुपूरक बिट प्राक्कलन तैयार करेगा और जनयम 4 के उपबंध ऐसे प्राक्कलन के जलए
ऐसे लागू होंगे, िैसे दकसी मूल बिट प्राक्कलन में थे ।
5. पुनर्ववजनयोग—(1) यदद उसके द्वारा प्राजधकृत अध्यि या कोई व्यजि, वषग के दौरान यह पाता है दक दकसी िीषग के अधीन मंिूर दकए
गए बिट प्राक्कलन (जिसके अंतगगत कोई पुनरीजित बिट प्राक्कलन भी सजम्मजलत है) व्यय से अजधक होने वाला ह ैया उि मंिूर की गई
या पुनरीजित बिट प्राक्कलन में सजम्मजलत कोई राजि दकसी अत्यावश्यक आपात के कारण अपेजित हैं, तो अध्यि या उसके द्वारा
प्राजधकृत कोई व्यजि दकसी अन्य िीषग के अधीन अजधसंभाव्य बचत के पता चलने पर बिट प्राक्कलन के प्रत्येक िीषग के अधीन दकए गए
आबंटन की परीिा करेगा और इसके प्रस्ट्ताव को बोडग के समि पुनर्ववजनयोग को प्रभावी करने के जलए प्रस्ट्तुत करेगा ।
(2) िहां ऐसा पुनर्ववजनयोग साध्य है, बोडग इस जनजमत्त िो उजचत समझे, ऐसी ितों के अध्यधीन रहते हुए पुनर्ववजनयोग की मंिूरी द े
सकेगा ।
6. लेखाओं को रखना—बोडग, प्रत्येक जवत्तीय वषग के जलए लेखा बजहयां और अन्य संबंजधत पुस्ट्तकें तैयार करेगा और रखेगा िो महापत्तन
प्राजधकरण के कायगकलाप की जस्ट्थजत का सही और ऋिु जचत्र दते ा ह ै और ऐसी पुस्ट्तक ऐसी रीजत में रखी िाएगी, िो केंद्रीय सरकार
द्वारा जवजनर्ददष्ट दकया िाए ।
7. आंतररक लेखापरीिक—(1) बोडग, एक आंतररक लेखापरीिक जनयुि कर सकेगा, िो महापत्तन के कृत्यों और कायगकलापों से संबंजधत
लेखाओं, जववरणों और दस्ट्तावेिों की आंतररक संपरीिा करने के जलए बोडग द्वारा जवजनजित दकया गया कोई चाटगडग अकाउंटेंट या लागत
और प्रबंध लेखापरीिक या ऐसे अन्य वृजत्तक होगा ।
स्ट्पष्टीकरण—इस उपजनयम के प्रयोिनों के जलए, ‘’चाडगडग अकाउंटेंट या लागत और प्रबंध लेखापरीिक या ऐसे अन्य वृजत्तक’’ िब्दों से
व्यवसाय में लगे हुए दकसी चाटगडग अकाउंटेंट या लागत और प्रबंध लेखापरीिक या ऐसे अन्य वृजत्तक अजभप्रेत ह ै।
(2) उपजनयम (1) के अधीन दकसी आंतररक लेखापरीिक की जनयुजि बोडग द्वारा भारत के जनयंत्रक और महालेखापरीिक या भारतीय
ररिवग बैंक द्वारा बनाए गए वृजत्तकों के पैनल से की िाएगी ।
(3) बोडग या बोडग द्वारा जनयुि कोई संपरीिा सजमजत आंतररक लेखापरीिा को संचाजलत करने के जलए पररजध, कृत्य, आवर्वतता और
कायग प्रणाली जनजित करेगा ।
(4) उपजनयम (3) पर प्रजतकूल प्रभाव डाले जबना, आंतररक लेखापरीिक महापत्तन प्राजधकरण के संव्यवहारों और माजसक लेखाओं की
परीिा करेगा और ररपोटग दगे ा और यह प्रमाजणत करेगा दक क्या उसकी राय में ऐसे संव्यवहार और लेखा समय-समय पर बोडग द्वारा
यथा अनुमोददत लेखा नीजतयों के अनुसार उजचत रूप से दकए गए ह ैं।
8. लेखाओं के वार्वषक जववरण को तैयार करना और प्रस्ट्तुत करना—(1) बोडग, केंद्रीय सरकार द्वारा जनयत दकए गए ऐसे समय के भीतर
पूवग जवत्तीय वषग के लेखाओं का कोई वार्वषक जववरण प्रत्येक जवत्तीय वषग के प्रारंभ के पिात् तैयार करेगा।
(2) उपजनयम (1) के अधीन तैयार दकए गए लेखाओं के वार्वषक जववरण में ऐसी सूचना और जवजिजष्टयां सजम्मजलत होंगी िो केंद्रीय
सरकार द्वारा भारत के जनयंत्रक और महालेखापरीिक के परामिग से जवजनर्ददष्ट की िाए ।[भाग II—खण् ड 3(i)] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 3
(3) उपजनयम (1) के अधीन तैयार दकए गए लेखाओं का वार्वषक जववरण महापत्तन प्राजधकरण के कायगकलापों की जस्ट्थजत का सही और
ऋिु जचत्र दगे ा और ऐसे लेखा मानकों का अनुपालन करेगा िो समय-समय पर भारत के चाटगडग अकाउंटेंट संस्ट्थान द्वारा जवजनर्ददष्ट दकया
िाए :
परंतु केवल इन तथ्यों के कारण लेखाओं का वार्वषक जववरण महापत्तन प्राजधकरण के कायगकलाप की जस्ट्थजत का सही और ऋिु जचत्र न
प्रकट करने वाला नहीं समझा िाएगा दक ऐसे जवषयों को प्रकट नहीं करते ह ैं िो तत्समय प्रवृत्त दकसी जवजध द्वारा प्रकट करने के जलए
अपेजित न हो ।
(4) उपजनयम (3) पर प्रजतकूल प्रभाव डाले जबना, िहां महापत्तन प्राजधकरण के वार्वषक जववरण उपजनयम (3) में जनर्ददष्ट लेखा मानकों
का अनुपालन नहीं करता है, तो ऐसा महापत्तन प्राजधकरण ऐसे जवचलन से उद्भूत लेखा मानकों से जवचलन, ऐसे जवचलन का कारण
और जवत्तीय प्रभाव, यदद कोई हो, लेखाओं का वार्वषक जववरण प्रकट करेगा ।
(5) लेखाओं का वार्वषक जववरण बोडग द्वारा अनुमोददत दकया िाएगा और महापत्तन प्राजधकरण के अध्यि (उसकी अनुपजस्ट्थजत म ें
उपाध्यि द्वारा) और महापत्तन में जवत्त जवभाग के प्रमुख द्वारा बोडग की ओर से हस्ट्तािररत दकया िाएगा ।
(6) उपजनयम (5) के अधीन स्ट्वीकृत और हस्ट्तािररत लेखाओं का वार्वषक जववरण को महापत्तन प्राजधकरण की सामान्य मुहर द्वारा
प्रमाणीकृत दकया िाएगा और ऐसे समय के भीतर, िो केंद्रीय सरकार द्वारा भारत के जनयंत्रक और महालेखापरीिक की सलाह से जनयत
दकया िाए, प्रत्येक वषग महापत्तन द्वारा संपरीिा अजधकारी को भेिा िाएगा ।
(7) संपरीिा अजधकारी महापत्तन प्राजधकरण के लेखाओं के वार्वषक जववरण की ररपोटग दगे ा और संपरीिा करेगा तथा यह प्रमाजणत
करेगा दक क्या उसकी राय में तुलनपत्र और लाभ तथा हाजन लेखे, जिसमें सभी जवजिजष्टयां सजम्मजलत हैं, और महापत्तन प्राजधकरण के
कायगकलाप की जस्ट्थजत का सही और ऋिु जचत्र प्रदर्वित करते हैं और महापत्तन प्राजधकरण या उसके दकसी अजधकारी से कोई सूचना
प्राप्त करने की दिा में क्या उसे दी गई हैं और वह संतोषिनक ह ैं।
(8) संपरीिा अजधकारी महापत्तन प्राजधकरण के लेखाओं के वार्वषक जववरण की संपरीिा पूणग करेगा और संपरीिा ररपोटग को ऐसे समय
के भीतर ऐसे महापत्तन प्राजधकरण के बोडग को भेिेगा िो भारत सरकार द्वारा भारत के जनयंत्रक और महालेखापरीिक के परामिग से
जनयत दकया िाए ।
(9) संपरीिा अजधकारी की ररपोटग के साथ संपरीिा अजधकारी द्वारा यथा प्रमाजणत लेखाओं का वार्वषक जववरण बोडग द्वारा केंद्रीय
सरकार को ऐसे समय के भीतर िो आगामी जवत्तीय वषग की समाजप्त पर, िो केंद्रीय सरकार द्वारा जनयत दकए गए लेखाओं से संबंजधत है,
वार्वषक रूप से भेिा िाएगा :
परंतु यदद संपरीिा अजधकारी की ररपोटग केंद्रीय सरकार द्वारा इस जनजमत्त जनयत दकए गए समय के भीतर प्राप्त नहीं की िाती ह ै तो
लेखाओं का वार्वषक जववरण संपरीिा अजधकारी की ररपोटग के जबना केंद्रीय सरकार को भेिा िाएगा ।
9. संपरीिा फीस और वास्ट्तजवक व्यय का संदाय—बोडग, ऐसी तारीख से, िो उनके द्वारा कोई मांग की गई है, तीन मास के भीतर उसके
लेखाओं के वार्वषक जववरण से संबंजधत जववरण उनमें से प्रत्येक द्वारा उपगत संपरीिा फीस और वास्ट्तजवक व्यय आंतररक संपरीिक और
संपरीिा अजधकारी को संदत्त करेगा ।
10. लेखाओं का अनौजचत्य या अजनयजमतता—(1) यथाजस्ट्थजत, आंतररक संपरीिक या संपरीिा अजधकारी बोडग को जनम्नजलजखत से
संबंजधत यदद आवश्यक हो, एक पृथक् जववरण प्रस्ट्तुत करेगा—
(क) कोई ताजत्वक अनौजचत्यता, अजनयजमतता या त्रुरटयां, िो वह महापत्तन प्राजधकरण के व्यय या बकाए रकम की वसूली में
या लेखाओं में दखे सकेगा ; या
(ख) महापत्तन द्वारा स्ट्वाजमत्वाधीन या उसमें जनजहत कोई धन या अन्य संपजत्त का दव्यु गय, िो उपेिा या अवचार द्वारा काररत
की गई है, िो ऐसे व्यजि के नाम से, िो उसकी राय में प्रत्यि रूप से या अप्रत्यि रूप से ऐसी हाजन या दव्यु गय के जलए दायी
ह ै।
(2) उपजनयम (1) के अधीन जववरण की प्राजप्त पर बोडग ऐसी दकसी त्ररु ट या अजनयजमतता पर तुरंत जवचार करेगा िो आंतररक संपरीिक
या संपरीिा अजधकारी की अपनी संपरीिा ररपोटग में ऐसी त्रुरटयों या अजनयजमतताओं के बारे में बताया िाएगा और उस पर ऐसी
कारगवाई करेगा, िो बोडग उजचत समझे :
परंतु यदद संपरीिा ररपोटग में सजम्मजलत दकसी प्रश्न पर बोडग और संपरीिा अजधकारी के बीच राय में कोई मतभेद ह ै और बोडग सुझावों
को लागू करने में या उसे स्ट्वीकार करने में, यदद कोई हो, अिम ह,ै तो ऐसे प्रश्न पर संपरीिा अजधकारी द्वारा वह जवषय केंद्रीय सरकार
को तुरंत जनर्ददष्ट दकया िाएगा, िो उस पर अंजतम आदिे पाररत करेगी और बोडग ऐसे आदिे ों को प्रभावी करने के जलए बाध्य होगा ।
[फा.सं. पीडी-24015/21/2021-पीडी-।]
जवक्रम ससह, संयुि सजचव4 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(i)]
MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
NOTIFICATION
New Delhi the 22nd November, 2021
G.S.R. 820(E).—In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 44 read with sub-section
(1) of section 71 of the Major Port Authorities Act, 2021 (1 of 2021), the Central Government hereby makes the
following rules, namely:-
1. Short title and commencement.— (1) These rules may be called the Major Port Authorities (Accounts and Audit)
Rules, 2021.
(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
2. Definitions.— (1) In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires,--
(a) “Act” means the Major Port Authorities Act, 2021 (1 of 2021);
(b) “Audit Officer” means the Comptroller and Auditor General of India and includes any person
appointed by him in connection with the audit of accounts of the Major Port Authority;
(c) “books of account” in relation to a Major Port Authority, includes the records maintained in respect
of—
(i) all sums of money received or receivable and expended or expendable by the Major Port
Authority and matters in relation to which the receipts and expenditure takes place;
(ii) all sales and purchases of goods and services by the Major Port Authority; and
(iii) the assets and liabilities of the Major Port Authority;
(d) “financial year” means the year commencing on the first day of April;
(2) Words and expressions used and not defined in these rules but defined in the Act, shall have the meanings
respectively assigned to them in the Act.
3. Preparation and submission of budget.— (1) The budget estimate of income and expenditure of each Major
Port Authority for the next financial year shall be prepared by the Chairperson or such employee of the said
Major Port Authority as may be authorised by him in this behalf, in such manner as the Central Government
may, from time to time, specify.
2) A copy of the budget estimate so prepared shall be sent to each Member of the Board at least seven days
before the meeting of the Board at which such estimate is to be considered.
(3) The Board shall consider and sanction the budget estimate with such changes as it thinks fit at the
meeting fixed for the purpose or at any other meeting to which the consideration of the budget estimate is
adjourned.
(4) The budget estimate sanctioned by the Major Port Authority under sub-rule (3) shall be forwarded by the
Board of that Major Port Authority to the Central Government not later than 31st day of December of the
financial year preceding the financial year to which the consideration of the budget estimate relate.
(5) The Central Government shall review the budget estimate and shall return it with or without suggestions
to the Board not later than thirty days prior to the commencement of the financial year.
(6) Upon receipt of the budget estimate under sub-rule (5), the Board shall consider the suggestions, if any,
made by the Central Government thereon and shall approve the budget estimate with such changes as it may
think fit.
4. Supplementary Budget.— The Board may, in the course of any financial year for which a budget estimate
has already been approved under rule (4), prepare one or more supplementary budget estimates for the
residual period of such year and the provisions of rule (4) shall, so far as may be, apply to such estimate as if
it were an original budget estimate.
5. Re-appropriation.— (1) If the Chairperson or any person authorised by him finds in the course of the year
that there is likely to be an excess of expenditure over the sanctioned budget estimate (including any revised
budget estimate) under any head, or any sum included in the said sanctioned or revised budget estimate is
required for any pressing emergency, the Chairperson or any person authorised by him shall examine the
allocation under each head of budget estimate with the object of discovering probable savings under any
other head and submit its proposal to the Board to effect the re-appropriation.[भाग II—खण् ड 3(i)] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 5
(2) Where such re-appropriation is feasible, the Board may sanction the re-appropriation subject to such
conditions as it may deem appropriate in that behalf.
6. Maintenance of accounts.— The Board shall prepare and keep books of account and other relevant books
and papers for every financial year which gives a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Major Port
Authority and such books shall be kept in such manner as may be specified by the Central Government.
7. Internal Auditor.— (1) The Board may appoint an internal auditor, who shall either be a chartered
accountant or cost and management accountant or such other professional as may be decided by the Board to
conduct internal audit of the accounts, statements and documents concerning the functions and activities of
the Major Port.
Explanation - For the purposes of this sub-rule, the term “chartered accountant or cost and management
accountant or such other professional” shall mean a chartered accountant or cost and management accountant
or such other professional, engaged in practice.
(2) The appointment of an internal auditor under sub-rule (1) shall be done by the Board from the panel of
professionals maintained by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India or the Reserve Bank of India.
(3) The Board or any audit committee appointed by the Board shall formulate the scope, functioning,
periodicity and methodology for conducting the internal audit.
(4) Without prejudice to sub-rule (3), the internal auditor shall examine and report on the transactions and
monthly accounts of the Major Port Authority and certify whether in his opinion such transactions and
accounts are properly drawn up in accordance with the accounting policies as approved by the Board from
time to time.
8. Preparation and submission of annual statement of accounts.— (1) The Board shall, within such time as
may be fixed by the Central Government, prepare after the commencement of each financial year an annual
statement of accounts for the previous financial year.
(2) The annual statement of accounts prepared under sub-rule (1) shall include such information and
particulars as may be specified by the Central Government in consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor
General of India.
(3) The annual statement of accounts prepared under sub-rule (1) shall give a true and fair view of the state of
affairs of the Major Port Authority and comply with such accounting standards as specified by the Institute of
Chartered Accountants of India from time to time:
Provided that the annual statement of accounts shall not be treated as not disclosing a true and fair
view of the state of affairs of the Major Port Authority, merely by reason of the fact that they do not disclose
any matters which are not required to be disclosed by any law for the time being in force.
(4) Without prejudice to sub-rule (3), where the annual statement of accounts of the Major Port Authority do
not comply with the accounting standards referred to in sub-rule(3), such Major Port Authority shall disclose
in its annual statement of accounts, the deviation from the accounting standards, the reasons for such
deviation and the financial effects, if any, arising out of such deviation.
(5) The annual statement of accounts shall be approved by the Board and signed on behalf of the Board by
the Chairperson (or in his absence, by the Deputy Chairperson) and the Head of Finance department in the
Major Port.
(6) The annual statement of accounts adopted and signed under sub-rule (5) shall be authenticated by affixing
the common seal of the Major Port Authority and shall be submitted by the Major Port to the Audit Officer
each year within such time as may be fixed in this behalf by the Central Government in consultation with the
Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
(7) The Audit Officer shall audit and report on the annual statement of accounts of the Major Port Authority
and certify whether in his opinion the balance sheet and profit and loss account contain all particulars and are
properly drawn up so as to exhibit a true and fair state of affairs of the Major Port Authority and in case he
has called for any information from the Major Port Authority or any of its officers, whether it has been given
and whether it is satisfactory.
(8) The Audit Officer shall complete the audit of the annual statement of accounts of the Major Port
Authority and submit the audit report to the Board of such Major Port Authority within such time as may be
fixed by the Central Government in consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.6 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(i)]
(9) The annual statement of accounts as certified by the Audit Officer, together with the report of the Audit
Officer shall be forwarded annually to the Central Government by the Board within such time following the
close of the financial year to which the accounts relate as may be fixed by the Central Government:
Provided that if the report of the Audit Officer is not received by the Board within such time as may
be fixed in this behalf by the Central Government, the annual statement of accounts shall be submitted to the
Central Government without the report of the Audit Officer.
9. Payment of audit fee and out of pocket expenses.— The Board shall pay to the internal auditor and the
Audit Officer the audit fee and out of pocket expenses incurred by each of them in connection with the
annual audit of its accounts, within three months from the date of which any demand is made by them.
10. Impropriety or irregularity in accounts.— (1) The internal auditor or the Audit Officer, as the case may
be, shall submit a separate statement to the Board, if necessary, in regard to-
(a) any material impropriety, irregularity or defects which he may observe in the expenditure, or in the
recovery of moneys due to, or in the accounts of the Major Port Authority; or
(b) any loss or waste of money or other property owned by or vested in the Major Port Authority which
has been caused by neglect or misconduct, with the names of the persons who in their opinion are
directly or indirectly responsible for such loss or waste.
(2) The Board upon receipt of statement under sub-rule (1) shall forthwith take into consideration any defects
or irregularities that may be pointed out by the internal auditor or the Audit Officer in its audit report and
shall take such action thereon as the Board may think fit:
Provided that if there is a difference of opinion between the Board and the Audit Officer on any
point included in the audit report, and the Board is unable to accept or implement the recommendations, if
any, made by the Audit Officer on such point, the matter shall forthwith be referred to the Central
Government which shall pass final orders thereon and the Board shall be bound to give effect to such orders.
[F. No. PD-24015/21/2021-PD-I]
VIKRAM SINGH, Jt. Secy.
Uploaded by Dte. of Printing at Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi-110064
and Published by the Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054.