In a move aimed at fiscal prudence, the Jammu and Kashmir government has initiated a series of expenditure management measures, effective immediately. These measures, outlined in a directive issued by Santosh D Vaidya, lAS Principal Secretary to Government Finance Department, are designed to cut costs and promote financial discipline.
Key directives include a prohibition on creating new positions in various departments, restrictions on organizing seminars and conferences outside the Union Territory, and a halt on acquiring new cars. Bureaucrats are now required to travel exclusively in economy class, and official dinners and lunches are subject to specific guidelines.
The directive emphasizes the need to limit revenue expenditure to 0% of the revised budget allocation during the last quarter of the current financial year. In March, expenditure is to be restricted to 15% of the allocation, with payments released only for executed works, goods, and services. The order also discourages advance payments in the last month of the financial year, except for specific cases like loans to government servants, compassionate grounds, or disaster relief.
Directors of Finance/Financial Advisors are tasked with closely monitoring procurement activities to ensure adherence to procedures. Additionally, a 10% economy cut is imposed on budget allocations for various categories, including OE, LTC, telephone, POL, travel, advertisements, publicity, hospitality, and sumptuary activities, the GAD order said.
The directive emphasizes exercising utmost economy in organizing conferences, seminars, and workshops. Events outside Jammu and Kashmir are discouraged, and meetings and conferences at private hotels are prohibited. The budget allocation for camps, conferences, and seminars is subject to a 10% economy cut.
On vehicle procurement, the order discourages the purchase of new vehicles, allowing exceptions only for critical operational requirements, with a 20% reduction against condemnation and Finance Department concurrence. Auction proceeds from condemned vehicles must be deposited as Miscellaneous Revenue.
A complete ban on official dinners and lunches, except those hosted by the Chief Secretary and Lieutenant Governor or with specific approval, has been implemented. Vacant posts for more than two years are to be identified and surrendered, with revival subject to rare circumstances and Finance Department clearance, it further said.
The order extends austerity measures to local funds and mandates compliance with General Financial Rules (GFRS), Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) guidelines, and government instructions for procurement and financial commitments. Administrative Secretaries are responsible for ensuring compliance, and Directors of Finance/Financial Advisors should assist departments and submit an overall compliance report to the Finance Department.
“No fresh financial commitments on items not provided for in the approved budget of 2023-24 without Finance Department approval,” it said.