A sum of Rs 36,220 crore in the form of Abstract Contingent (AC), Detailed Contingent (DC) and Grant-in-Aid (GIA) bills remains ominously unresolved. The Principal Accountant General, keenly aware of this precarious situation, has not hesitated to express profound apprehension to the Finance Department. The Government, on its part, has issued a stern warning, indicating that further sluggishness in the submission of bills and utilisation certificates for settlement will not be tolerated. The Director General of Accounts and Treasury is poised to scrutinise this predicament alongside the concerned officers. The Accounts and Treasury Department, with an unwavering commitment to the formidable undertaking of reconciling accounts, is pursuing utilisation certificates and the expeditious resolution of audit paras. However, the flagrant lack of earnestness exhibited by the departments remains a glaring concern. It is fact that the budgetary allocations directed towards the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, in proportion to its population, have been notably more favourable in comparison to other states and union territories. Nevertheless, it is imperative to emphasise that adherence to audit and financial codal formalities must transpire devoid of preconditions. The punctual submission of bills, utilisation certificates, and other requisite formalities serves as a vital bulwark against corrupt practices. Any undue delay in furnishing the necessary documents invariably raises suspicions of malfeasance. The gravity of the situation is underscored by the persistent failure of various Government Departments to comply with essential financial protocols, despite the passage of numerous quarters and relentless reminders. Reconciliation, a fundamental cornerstone of any fiscal transaction, is consistently given scant regard by these departments.
The Principal Accountant General has aptly sounded the alarm, emphasising the imperative adherence to established rules and regulations governing the quarterly allocation of budgetary funds. The release of further grants hinges upon the acquisition of utilisation certificates from the respective departments and supplementary data concerning outstanding bills. The procedural framework is meticulously predefined, and deviations from these standards are treated with the utmost severity. It is disheartening that the concerned departments have yet to comprehend the gravity of the situation. Jammu and Kashmir is embarking on an unparalleled journey of development and radical transformation. Sustaining this momentum demands an unbroken flow of funds. However, the towering aggregate of over 36 thousand crores in unresolved bills looms as a formidable obstacle to future financial allocations. Grant-in-Aid serves as the lifeblood for the operation of essential departments and any disruption in these grants inevitably translates to unpaid salaries for dedicated employees. The department heads must grasp the urgency of the situation, doubling their efforts to provide the necessary data for an expeditious bill settlement. Adherence to fiscal guidelines is paramount, and the Lieutenant Governor’s administration has unequivocally directed all departments to utilise digital portals for every facet of their operations, from project proposals to approvals, billing, and disbursements. Any deviation from these prescribed directives, despite such explicit mandates, is an issue of grave concern and warrants the administration’s immediate attention. The impediment of development work at any cost must be avoided at all costs. The administration must ensure accountability and hold officials responsible for any lapses. In light of this precarious situation, utmost caution is paramount to steer clear of potential pitfalls. Consequently, meticulous coordination is indispensable to expedite the resolution of this matter at the earliest juncture.
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