‘Only LG, CM authorised to host official lunches, dinners’
New posts frozen; events in pvt hotels, outside UT discouraged
Bivek Mathur
JAMMU, Oct 31: In a significant move aimed at promoting fiscal prudence and expenditure control, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered a series of austerity and rationalization measures for the ongoing financial year 2025–26.
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As per an order issued by Santosh D Vaidya, Prinicpal Secretary, Finance Department, the Government departments have been instructed to restrict their revenue expenditure to 30 percent of the budget allocation in the last quarter of the financial year and to only 15 percent during March.
It further emphasized that payments in the last month shall be made only for works already executed and goods or services already procured.
“No advance payments are to be made except for loans or advances to Government employees, compassionate cases, or disaster relief measures,” ordered the Government, with Finance Officers directed to strictly monitor these aspects to avoid a year-end spending rush.
A 10 percent economy cut has been imposed on budget allocations under several heads, including office expenses, leave travel concession (LTC), telephone bills, fuel (POL), advertisements, publicity, hospitality, and sumptuary activities.
The Government has also discouraged holding exhibitions, fairs, or conferences outside Jammu and Kashmir, while banning meetings and official gatherings at private hotels.
The departments have been, as such, advised to utilize Government halls or buildings for such events.
On travel expenditure, the Government has imposed a 10 percent reduction and stressed the use of video conferencing instead of physical meetings.
International travel will also require prior approval from the Finance Department, and domestic travel is to be undertaken only by economy class, irrespective of entitlement.
“Re-appropriation proposals for travel-related expenses will not be entertained,” clarified the Government.
Meanwhile, the purchase of new vehicles has been restricted and will be allowed only for critical operational requirements with Finance Department concurrence.
The Government order further said that replacement of condemned vehicles will be permitted at a 20 percent reduction, and proceeds from vehicle auctions must be deposited as “Miscellaneous Revenue.”
Similarly, procurement of new furniture is banned except for newly established offices, and old furniture must be auctioned off.
The Government has also placed a complete ban on official dinners and lunches, except those hosted by the Lieutenant Governor or the Chief Minister.
It has also been clarified that no new posts shall be created, and filling of vacancies will only be done through JKSSB or JKPSC with Finance Department approval.
Furthermore, the Government has instructed departments to avoid non-priority works under the Capex budget, such as repairs or renovations, and to ensure all procurement follows e-tendering and GEM norms.
Administrative Secretaries and Directors Finance have been, as such, tasked with ensuring strict compliance and submitting reports to the Finance Department.
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