Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 16: The Jammu and Kashmir Finance Department has issued a circular directing all Government departments and subordinate offices to ensure timely clearance of pending electricity dues, warning that delays are leading to mounting arrears, avoidable penalties and additional burden on the Government exchequer.
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According to the circular, it has come to the notice of the authorities that electricity bills of several Government offices are not being settled within the stipulated time frame. The document states that such delays have resulted in substantial outstanding arrears against a number of departments and subordinate offices.
The circular points out that non-payment of dues in time not only creates unnecessary financial liabilities in the form of late payment surcharges and penalties, but may also adversely affect the financial discipline expected from Government departments. It further cautions that continued pendency of electricity dues could potentially disrupt essential services if disconnection notices are issued by the power utility.
In view of the situation, all Director Finances and Financial Advisors of the Administrative Departments have been advised to work out the outstanding electricity dues pertaining to their respective departments and offices and ensure that the same are cleared on priority.
The Finance Department has also laid down a mechanism for meeting the liability in case of shortage of funds under the relevant Head of Account. It has directed the concerned departments to identify or locate savings under appropriate Detailed Head or Heads within the released funds for the current financial year and process cases for re-appropriation as per the prescribed procedure.
Reiterating the importance of timely payment of electricity bills, the circular has asked all departments to put in place a proper mechanism for prompt settlement of such dues so as to avoid accumulation of arrears and prevent additional financial implications.
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