SRINAGAR: The administration of the Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory has announced a series of austerity measures aimed at fiscal prudence, as revealed on Monday.
“The revenue expenditure should be limited to 30 per cent of revised budget allocation during the last fiscal quarter of the ongoing financial year,” an order issued by the Finance department reads.
“In the last month of the ongoing fiscal, payments shall be made only for the works duly executed, and the goods and services already procured,” the Finance department stated.
A 10 per cent economic cut has been imposed on the budget allocation for OE, LTC, POL, travel, advertisements, publicity, hospitality, and sumptuary activities. Additionally, a ban on holding meetings and conferences at private hotels was implemented, promoting the use of government buildings/halls for such events.
The government advocated utmost economy in organizing conferences, seminars, and workshops, discouraging exhibitions, fairs, seminars, and conferences outside J&K. A 10% economy cut was also imposed on the budget allocation for conducting camps, conferences, and seminars.
“The purchase of new vehicles is strictly discouraged. Exceptional cases for meeting critical operational requirements shall be permitted with a 20 percent reduction against condemnation as a replacement measure and with the concurrence of the Finance Department,” the government said.
Travel expenditure is to be regulated to ensure each department remains within the revised allocated budget, with a complete ban on international travel without specific permission from the Finance Department.
“A 10 per cent economy cut on the travel expenses budget allocation for 2023-24 was introduced,” the order added. Official dinners and lunches are restricted, except those hosted by the chief secretary and Lieutenant Governor or with specific approval of the Lieutenant Governor.
Furthermore, the government declared a prohibition on creating new posts. “Posts that have remained vacant for more than two years should be identified for surrender. Such posts should not be revived except under rare and unavoidable circumstances and after seeking clearance from the Finance Department,” reads the order. (KNO)
