The Finance Department of Jammu and Kashmir, under the Codes Division, has issued a crucial circular aimed at optimizing the process of executing developmental works within the region. This circular, addressed from the Civil Secretariat of Jammu/Srinagar, references Rule 136(1) of the General Financial Rules (GFR) 2017, underscoring the importance of sanctioning detailed design and technical estimates before commencing any work or incurring liabilities.
The circular, numbering FD-Code/441/2021-02-34 and dated 3rd July 2024, has been disseminated to various departments, including the Director General of Police and the Advocate General of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, to reinforce compliance with financial rules and procedures.
Key Instructions for Departments:
- Tendering Works Within Approved Budgets: Departments are instructed to tender works that have received Administrative Approval and Technical Sanction (AA/TS) and are included within the departmental Works Plan as outlined by the approved Budget Estimates.
- Tendering for Entire Projects: Before undertaking tendering for an entire project, departments should confirm that it meets the conditions mentioned above, including the project being within the prescribed Capex ceiling.
- Securing Fund Releases Through BEAMS: It is essential that the release of funds through the Budget Estimation, Allocation & Monitoring System (BEAMS) is secured before the issuance of any work order.
- Pace-based Fund Release: Further releases of funds for projects should be in accordance with the project’s rate of execution.
Moreover, previous instructions from Finance Department Circular no. No-FD/VII-Bgt/2020 dated 08-07-2020 emphasized that no tenders should be invited without prior Administrative Approval, Technical Sanction, and the availability of budgeted funds.
Additionally, the circular encourages a review of ongoing projects on BEAMS, advising departments to eliminate those deemed non-starter or non-priority from the system to avoid financial wastage and mismanagement.
The circular is signed off by the Director General (Codes) of the Finance Department, reflecting the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and efficient resource management in carrying out developmental works for the betterment of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
