The News Craving
Srinagar:
The Government of Jammu and Kashmir’s Finance Department has issued guidelines to administrative departments and officers regarding the preparation of Budget Estimates (BE) for 2025-26 and Revised Estimates (RE) for 2024-25. This directive emphasizes that no new posts should be anticipated or budgeted for in the upcoming fiscal estimates.
In an official notification, the Finance Department stated that all administrative departments, Heads of Departments (HoDs), Budget Controlling Officers, and Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) are to initiate budget preparations immediately to meet strict deadlines. Budget drafts are expected to be ready by November 11, at the DDO level and by November 15, at the HoD level. Finalized estimates must be submitted to the Finance Department no later than November 20, 2024, the directive read.
“Budget forms for both the Revenue and Capital Budgets will be available exclusively online through the Budget Estimation, Allocation, and Management System (BEAMS). Physical submissions will not be accepted except for specific forms, and departments are urged to seek technical assistance from the Project Management Unit (PMU) team as needed,” it added.
Strict Rules on Salaries and Expenditure Reporting
To curb inconsistencies in expenditure reporting, departments are instructed to reflect accurate expenditures as verified by the Accountant General of Jammu and Kashmir. The Finance Department will closely monitor variations in spending patterns to ensure alignment with previous financial accounts.
Restrictions on Creation of Posts
The budget must adhere to established salary allocations, with no provisions for new post creation in either the revised or upcoming budget estimates, the directive added.
” Only sanctioned posts with incumbents will be included in salary estimates, while vacant positions must be tracked in separate statements. Departments are also required to furnish detailed records of temporary posts created for regularization purposes and to provide status updates on filled and unfilled migrant posts.”
Focus on Revenue Generation
The Finance Department has reiterated the importance of meeting revenue targets. “Departments must furnish detailed revenue projections in a prescribed format, accompanied by past revenue data spanning five years. Additionally, government-supported entities, including autonomous bodies and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), must submit revenue collection data and strategies for revenue enhancement.”
“The government intends to release a calendar for departmental budget discussions shortly. All proposals must comply with the guidelines outlined in Annexures ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’ provided with the notification, with any incomplete proposals being subject to rejection.”
