WB Service Book – Opening, Writing, Verification
What is the West Bengal Service Book?
A Service Book is a mandatory ledger for maintained every full-time Government Employee in West Bengal. It is similar like “Passport” of your career.
- Custody: No of two copies are usually maintained for Service Book. One is maintained by the Head of Office (HOO), and another copy or duplicate copy is handed to the respected employee.
- Verification: It must be verified annually by the Head of Office to ensure all entries are accurate or genuine.
What Information is Recorded?
- Bio-data: Date of Birth, identification marks, and educational qualifications.
- Service History: Appointments, promotions, transfers, and pay fixations.
- Leave Account: All types of leave (except Casual Leave) are meticulously tracked here.
- Nominations: Details for GPF, Gratuity, and Family Pension.
Why is it Critical?
The Service Book is not just a record; it is the legal basis for your financial and legal rights as an employee.
[table “8” not found /]The Digital Shift: e-Service Book (WBIFMS)
The Government of West Bengal has transitioned to the Integrated Financial Management System (WBIFMS). Most physical service books are now being digitized into e-Service Books.
Benefits of the e-Service Book:
- Transparency: Employees can view their service details, leave balance, and pay history online via the HRMS module.
- Automatic Updates: Modern entries like increments, promotions, and transfers are updated automatically through the workflow.
- Error Reduction: Digitization reduces the risk of physical loss, tampering, or overwriting.
Pro Tip: Always log in to the WBIFMS Portal (or use the mobile app) periodically to ensure your “Legacy Data” (past physical records) has been correctly uploaded by your DDO.
Essential Rules for Maintenance
- No Overwriting: Erasures or overwriting are strictly forbidden. Any corrections must be made neatly and attested by the Head of Office.
- Annual Signature: Every year, the Head of Office should show the book to the employee and obtain their signature as proof of verification.
- Transfer: When you are transferred, your Service Book must be updated up to the date of your last pay and forwarded to your new office.
What if the Service Book is lost?
Loss of a Service Book is a serious matter. If a physical book is lost, a reconstruction process is initiated using available records like pay bills, appointment orders, and the employee’s duplicate copy. This is why keeping your duplicate copy updated and safe is vital.
Conclusion
Your Service Book is the heart of your government career. Whether it is the physical ledger or the digital e-Service Book on WBIFMS, ensuring its accuracy is your responsibility as much as it is your employer’s.