SRINAGAR: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir’s Finance Department has sanctioned the authorization of 50 percent funds under all detailed heads of the Revenue Budget for the financial year 2026–27 through the BEAMS portal.
As per Government Order No. 149-F of 2026 dated April 1, 2026, issued under the Jammu and Kashmir Appropriation (No. 2) Act, 2026, expenditure on power purchase will be released on a monthly basis at one-twelfth of the approved Budget Estimates (BE).
The order further states that the release of funds under specific heads—including interest payments, food grain expenditure, snow clearance operations, UT share under revenue components, and the Disaster Response Fund (DRF)—will be considered on a case-to-case basis.
The Finance Department has issued comprehensive instructions laying down financial discipline and expenditure control measures applicable to all departments, controlling officers, and Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs).
Key Financial and Administrative Conditions
Departments have been directed to rationalise non-development expenditure while prioritising capital expenditure and ensuring timely payment of electricity and water dues in all government establishments. Departments seeking additional fund releases are required to submit compliance certificates confirming clearance of utility bills and installation of smart meters.
Expenditure on office-related heads such as LTC, telephone, POL, advertisements, publicity, hospitality, and other non-essential items shall be strictly regulated and incurred only after establishing necessity.
Official foreign travel has been restricted and shall require prior approval of the Finance Department.
Departments have also been instructed to conduct camps, seminars, and conferences in government-owned facilities and ensure strict cost efficiency in such events.
Procurement and Financial Management Reforms
All procurement of goods and services shall be carried out through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) in accordance with GFR 2017 provisions. E-tendering processes, wherever applicable, must be completed by April 30, 2026.
Departments have been directed to maintain uniform expenditure throughout the financial year, with a ceiling of 30 percent expenditure in the last quarter and a maximum of 15 percent in the final month.
No diversion of funds shall be permitted without prior approval of the Finance Department.
Transparency, Digital Payments and Monitoring
The order mandates complete digitisation of government transactions, with limited cash usage permitted only for small denominations. All beneficiary-oriented schemes must ensure 100 percent Aadhaar-seeded Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) through SNA-Sparsh, along with regular reporting of beneficiary data.
Treasury Officers have been made personally responsible for any unauthorised payments not processed through the BEAMS system. Regular reconciliation of accounts with treasuries and the Office of the Principal Accountant General (A and E), JK, has been made mandatory.
Revenue Monitoring and Accountability
Departments have been instructed to monitor revenue collection targets on a monthly basis, review outstanding receivables, and submit detailed revenue realisation reports. Autonomous bodies, PSUs, boards, and grant-in-aid institutions are required to submit audited utilisation details, bank balances, and compliance reports before further fund allocations.
The government has also reiterated the continuation of the ban on engagement of casual, daily wage, and need-based workers.
Additional Compliance Measures
All expenditure must strictly adhere to the General Financial Rules (GFR) 2017 and be outcome-oriented. Parking of funds under civil deposits without approval has been prohibited.
The performance of the Power Development Department in billing and revenue collection will be reviewed monthly, and disciplinary action will be initiated against underperforming officials.
Rent payments shall be made only against approved rent assessment orders, and cash-based electricity billing has been completely prohibited.
Oversight and Review Mechanism
The Finance Department will conduct monthly reviews of expenditure outcomes, revenue performance, and compliance with budget announcements. Departments have been directed to ensure timely implementation of government deliverables and policy priorities in coordination with the Council of Ministers and elected representatives.
The order underscores strict financial discipline, transparency, and efficient utilisation of public funds across all government departments in the Union Territory for the financial year 2026–27.
