Srinagar, Mar 16: The Finance Department, Jammu and Kashmir has directed all government departments to ensure timely clearance of pending electricity bills, warning that delays are leading to mounting arrears and additional financial burden on the government.
In a circular issued by the department, all Director Finances and Financial Advisors of administrative departments have been asked to assess outstanding electricity dues of their respective offices and ensure their clearance on priority.
The department noted that delayed payments are resulting in late payment surcharges and penalties, thereby putting avoidable pressure on the government exchequer and affecting financial discipline across departments.
It further stated that in case of shortage of funds under the relevant head of account, departments should identify savings within the released funds for the current financial year and process re-appropriation as per the prescribed procedure.
The circular also asked departments to put in place a proper mechanism for timely settlement of electricity bills to prevent accumulation of arrears and avoid disruption of essential services due to possible disconnection notices by power utilities. (KNC)
