Finance Deptt conveys Capex ceilings to ensure timely authorization, expenditure

By Admin

23 Apr, 2025

Introduction

The Finance Department of Jammu has issued important directives to ensure the timely authorization and expenditure of funds under the Budget Estimates (BE) for the year 2025-26. This step aims to streamline the approval process and ensure the effective execution of ongoing and new works, aligning them with the priorities set by the Chief Minister, Council of Ministers, and elected representatives.

Capex Ceilings and Uploading on BEAMS Portal

On April 22, 2025, the Finance Department conveyed the Capex ceilings, including District Capex under BE 2025-26, for finalization and uploading onto the Budget Estimation, Allocation & Monitoring System (BEAMS) portal. This move is aimed at ensuring that all approved works and activities are uploaded promptly for authorization. The district administration has been directed to ensure that their district plans are submitted on or before April 30, 2025.

The instructions clearly state that District Development Commissioners (DDCs) and Administrative Departments must adhere to these timelines and procedures. The Finance Department has emphasized that uploading of approved projects on the portal is essential for the disbursement of 50% funds through BEAMS.

Role of Administrative Departments and DDCs

The Finance Department has made it clear that the Director Finance, Director Planning, Financial Advisor, Chief Accounts Officer (CAO), and Joint Director Planning in each department are personally responsible for uploading the projects on the BEAMS portal. The approved projects should be uploaded by April 30, 2025, with the approval of the Minister In-charge.

District Development Commissioners are also required to collaborate with the DDC members and Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to ensure that all projects are selected after due consultation. This ensures that the priorities and feedback of elected representatives are reflected in the final district plans.

Focus on Ongoing Works

The Finance Department has emphasized that the focus of departments and DDCs should be on the completion of ongoing works rather than initiating large numbers of underfunded projects. To make space for ongoing works, the allocated funds for the year 2025-26 will follow a ratio of 70:30, with 70% of the funds reserved for ongoing projects and 30% for new works.

The departments and DDCs are instructed to ensure that the timeline for completing new works should range between one to two years. For larger, more complex projects, the timeline may extend up to three years. Additionally, ongoing works that are expected to be completed in 2025-26 or the following year must be prioritized in the Capex budget.

Strict Adherence to Budget Announcements and Deliverables

The Finance Department has also underlined the importance of adhering to the Budget Announcements and Deliverables for 2025-26. Departments and DDCs must ensure that these announcements are included in the budget outlays, and progress on them will be periodically reviewed at the highest administrative levels. Existing works already uploaded on the BEAMS portal must be thoroughly examined to eliminate non-priority or non-starter works.

Ensuring Financial Discipline

One of the key aspects of the Finance Department's directive is maintaining financial discipline. The execution of works should strictly follow approved activities, and no work should proceed beyond the approved cost. There must be no creation of liabilities through unapproved or unauthorized works. The controlling officers will be held personally responsible for any liabilities arising from such unauthorized works.

Outcome-Based Planning

The Finance Department has further instructed that the work plans of all departments and DDCs must be outcome-based. These plans should clearly indicate the tangible impact of the works, including the number of projects to be completed and the number of people to benefit from them. This data will be reviewed periodically to ensure that the objectives are being met.

Conclusion

With the issuance of these comprehensive instructions, the Finance Department aims to ensure that the 2025-26 financial year sees the efficient and timely execution of projects. By emphasizing financial discipline, adherence to directions from elected representatives, and a focus on ongoing projects, Jammu is set to make significant strides in infrastructure development and public welfare. The commitment to streamlining processes through platforms like BEAMS and ensuring that funds are utilized efficiently marks a crucial step in strengthening governance and accountability.