Nov 20 deadline for digital submission of budget estimates
Bivek Mathur
JAMMU, Nov 7: The newly formed National Conference Government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has directed all the Administrative Depart-ments, Heads of the Departments (HoDs), and other concerned officers to commence the preparations for the Budget Estimates of 2025-26 and Revised Estimates for 2024-25.
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A directive issued in this regard by the Finance Department of the UT Government to the Administrative Depart-ments, HoDs, Budget Controlling Officers, and Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) claimed the move is intended to ensure a timely and systematic approach to budget formulation and submission to the Finance Department, facilitating the thorough examination, consolidation, and scrutiny of these financial estimates.
As per the directive, the Finance Department has set a strict timeline for completing various stages of the budget preparation process. While the DDO-level budget compilation is set to be finalised by November 11, 2024 the HoD-level consolidation is scheduled for November 15, 2024.
As such, all the Administrative Depart-ments are required to submit their budget estimates, following rigorous internal scrutiny, to the Finance Department by the final deadline of November 20, 2024.
To streamline the process, the Finance Department has also mandated the exclusive use of the online Budget Estimation, Allocation, and Management System (BEAMS) for submitting forms related to both the Revenue Budget and the Capital Budget.
Further, it has been directed that the hard copies of the forms, with the exception of specific form B4 parts (i) and (ii), as well as project-wise statements, will not be entertained, reinforcing the shift toward digital administration.
The department has also involved the PMU team, alongside designated resource persons in each district treasury to provide technical support to the departments navigating BEAMS.
The Finance Department has also included a detailed set to guidelines that will aid in the preparation of budget proposals, referencing the existing budget manual for additional guidance.
Furthermore, a checklist of information required by the Finance Department has also been provided to assist the departments and other officers in meeting the submission requirements.
All the Administrative Secretaries have been, as such, requested to send the budget proposals in respect of each HoD to the Finance Department by the notified date.
Additionally, the Department has clarified that a separate schedule for discussions on departmental budget proposals will be issued to further facilitate a collaborative review process.
As per the directive, budget proformas must be submitted in digital format for both Revenue and Capital Expenditures.
“Incomplete proposals that fail to adhere to guidelines will not be accepted,” ordered the Finance Department.
Meanwhile, the PMU team has been made responsible for establishing arrangements for data entry into BEAMS by DDOs, Budget Controlling Officers, HOD-level officers, and the Finance Directors.
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