One Officer-One Official Vehicle Policy Announced

The Union government implemented the “One Entitled Officer, One Official Car” policy on 28-29 July 2026. The Department of Expenditure under the Ministry of Finance issued an Office Memorandum to all Union ministries and departments for immediate compliance.

Official Vehicle Allocation Rules

Under the revised norms, a senior officer entitled to one official staff car cannot be allotted a second government vehicle because of additional charge in another ministry, department, public sector undertaking, or autonomous body. The rule applies to central government officers who already have an entitlement to an official staff car.

Use of Government and PSU Vehicles

Central government officers are generally barred from using vehicles belonging to public sector undertakings, autonomous bodies, or quasi-government organisations. The exception applies only when the officer is on official tour or official duty. The instruction covers vehicle use across Union ministries and attached offices.

Custody of Idle Vehicles

Ministries and departments have been instructed to keep unutilised or idle vehicles in secure custody. The measure is intended to prevent diversion of government vehicles for unauthorised purposes. The directive also seeks to improve utilisation of the official vehicle fleet.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Department of Expenditure functions under the Ministry of Finance and issues financial control instructions for Union government offices.
• An Office Memorandum is an official administrative communication used by government departments in India.
• Staff cars are official vehicles allotted to entitled officers for government work.
• The revised directive reinforces instructions issued on 1 September 2022 on staff car use in government offices.

Background on the 2022 Instructions

The Department of Expenditure issued consolidated instructions on staff car use on 1 September 2022. The 2026 directive updates the same framework for official vehicle allotment and use in Union government offices.