Srinagar: Unutilized funds over and above 30 per cent of the budgeted amount on revenue and capex side as on December 31 shall be automatically forfeited, the state government on Monday ordered among slew of instructions on streamlining and speeding up of spending in government departments.
In an order issued here, the government has asked all administrative departments, head of the departments (HoDS), Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) and all Treasury Officers (T.Os) to adhere to all the directions.
“All the un-utilized funds over and above 30 per cent of the budgeted amount on both Revenue and Capex side as on 3Ist December 2017 shall be automatically forfeited and will not be allowed to be used for any other purposes,” it said.
In the context of timely release of funds in February this year by both the Finance and Planning and Development Department, the government said that there was absolutely no reason that balanced pace of expenditure should not be ensured by all the departments.
“Accordingly, the decision conveyed in February 2017 itself is reiterated again that expenditure during the last quarter of the Financial Year 2017-18 shall be limited to 30 per cent budget allocation on both Revenue and Capex side.”
In March, the government said that the expenditure shall not be more than 15% of the Budget Estimates.
“All powers related to re-appropriation and re-distribution of funds vested in the administrative departments, HODS and DDOs have been withdrawn and any proposal for re-appropriation will be considered on merits in the finance department only in respect of savings to be utilized for authorized pending work done liabilities, salary shortfalls etc.”
Payments in the last month shall be made only for goods and services already procured, it said, adding that no amounts shall be released in advance except in case of advance payments to contractors under terms of duly executed contracts so that government would not renege on its legal or contractual obligations. The exception is also on any loans or advances to Government servants etc. Or private individuals as a measure of relief and rehabilitation as per service conditions or on compassionate grounds.
“Rush of expenditure on procurement should be avoided during the last month of the year so as to ensure that all procedures are complied with and there is no infructuous or wasteful expenditure.”
Director Finance and Financial Advisors are advised to specially monitor this aspect in their respective departments, it said.
The government said proposals of Advance Drawal, Revalidation, Authorization etc. If any, pertaining to Financial Year 2017-18 shall be submitted to the Finance Department well before 28Ih February, 2018. “No such proposal shall be entertained by the Finance Department after 28th February, 2018,” it said, adding, “Proposals for parking of money in “Civil Deposits” in order to avoid lapsing of funds shall not be entertained and processed.”
The issuance of hundies stands already banned and the Departments have been advised not to move any proposal in this regard.
“Treasury Offices will not entertain any billlcheque for payment after working hours on 29 March 2018, pertaining to the Financial Year 2017-18 and all the DDOs are advised to plan their bill presentations accordingly at treasury.”
Under no circumstances, any Bill in respect of Financial Year 2017-18 will be received in the Treasuries on the last two working days of financial year i.e. 30th and 31 March next year, the date on which only payments will be made and accounts reconciled.
“Administrative Secretaries must effectively supervise and shall be responsible for ensuring compliance of the measures outlined.”
Financial Advisors shall assist the respective Departments in securing compliance with these measures and also submit regular report to the Department of Finance, it added.
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