Centre Warns IAS Officers: Submit Property Returns by Jan 31 or Face Strict Action

• Central Government mandates IAS officers to submit Immovable Property Returns (IPR) for 2025 by January 31, 2026.
• The online SPARROW module will automatically close after the deadline, with no extensions for submission.
• Failure to submit IPR will lead to disciplinary action, including stoppage of promotion, denial of increment, and vigilance clearance.
• Directive aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and curb corruption, as per Rule 16(2) of All India Services (Conduct) Rules 1968.
• Timely IPR submission is now mandatory for promotion and salary increments, following a 2021 amendment to IAS (Pay) Rules 2016.

Why It Matters: IAS officers must submit IPR by Jan 31, 2026, to avoid severe career penalties.