Srinagar, May 23 (IANS) The Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday announced a series of measures aimed at rationalising expenditure and ensuring fiscal prudence during the financial year 2026-27.

An order issued by the Union Territory’s Finance Department said the measures will come into immediate effect and outlined detailed guidelines to curb non-essential spending.

The order stressed that only essential seminars, conferences, workshops, and training programmes should be held, with departments encouraged to opt for virtual formats wherever possible. Organising such events outside the Union Territory has been strongly discouraged. It also imposed a complete ban on holding meetings and conferences in private hotels and commercial venues, directing departments to use government infrastructure instead.

Expenditure on ceremonial events, branding, souvenir printing, and other publicity activities has been restricted, with departments advised to prioritise digital dissemination over printed materials.

The government has also discouraged the purchase of new vehicles. Exceptions may be allowed only with the Finance Department’s approval and subject to replacement against condemned vehicles, along with a 20 per cent reduction in fleet size. Departments have been directed to auction condemned vehicles and deposit the proceeds as miscellaneous revenue.

Strict controls have been imposed on official travel. International travel will require prior approval of the Finance Department, while domestic travel should be minimised through the use of video conferencing and virtual platforms. Officials travelling within the country have been asked to use economy class, irrespective of entitlement, where necessary.

The order also highlights the need for fuel and energy conservation, directing departments to avoid unnecessary use of vehicles, generators, air-conditioning systems, and lighting. Movement of official vehicles is to be restricted to essential requirements.

Hiring of new office accommodation has been barred without prior approval and certification of non-availability of suitable government space. Procurement of furniture has also been restricted, except for newly established offices with due approval, while old furniture is to be disposed of through public auction.

Emphasising a digital-first approach, the government has directed departments to minimise physical meetings, paper usage, and the circulation of files by maximising the use of e-Office systems and digital communication platforms.

A complete ban has been imposed on official hospitality events such as dinners, lunches, and receptions, except those hosted by the Lieutenant Governor or the Chief Minister.

The order further states that no new posts will be created, and vacant posts lying unfilled for over two years should be identified for surrender. Engagement of consultants, outsourcing agencies, and contractual staff will be allowed only after assessing functional necessity and available in-house capacity.

The Finance Department has also barred fresh financial commitments on schemes or proposals not included in the approved Budget Estimates for 2026-27. Non-priority works under the capital expenditure budget, including renovation and upgradation projects, will not receive budget releases unless specifically approved.

Administrative Secretaries have been made personally responsible for ensuring strict compliance with these measures. Finance Directors and Advisors will monitor expenditure and submit periodic compliance reports to the Finance Department, the order added.

–IANS

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