SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has delegated Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) powers to designated Accounts Officers across both divisions and all 20 districts of the Union Territory for handling funds released under Demand No. 51 (Police) by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India.
The delegation was approved by the Home Department through Government Order No. 324-HOME of 2026, issued from the Civil Secretariat on June 4. The order authorises the nominated officers to operate funds through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) in coordination with the concerned Pay and Accounts Officers.
According to the order, DDO powers have been vested in Accounts Officers attached to the Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu, as well as those serving with Deputy Commissioners and District Magistrates across Srinagar, Ganderbal, Budgam, Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramulla, Kupwara, Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, Reasi, Ramban, Doda, Kishtwar, Rajouri and Poonch districts.
The Home Department has imposed strict financial and administrative safeguards on the exercise of these powers. The designated DDOs will be authorised to operate only those schemes and object heads under Demand No. 51 (Police) that are specifically approved by the department from time to time.
The order mandates strict compliance with the General Financial Rules (GFRs), Delegation of Financial Powers Rules (DFPR), and all instructions issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Jammu and Kashmir Home Department, and the Office of the Internal Financial Advisor (Home).
Under the terms of the delegation, DDOs will be personally responsible for verifying the authenticity and admissibility of all claims before processing payments. All disbursements through the PFMS portal must be made only to eligible vendors and beneficiaries after due verification and completion of prescribed codal formalities.
The officers have also been directed to maintain complete records, vouchers, audit trails and utilisation certificates to facilitate audits and inspections. They must ensure timely compliance with audit observations and furnish any information sought by the Home Department or other competent authorities.
The order further clarifies that the delegation does not authorise expenditure beyond approved budget allocations or powers sanctioned by competent authorities. All expenditure must remain within the sanctioned budget and be incurred strictly for the purposes for which the funds were released.
The government has warned that any financial irregularity, excess expenditure, unauthorised payment or violation of established rules will be the personal responsibility of the concerned DDO.
