Warns of action in case of wasteful, irregular spending
Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Nov 19: In order to ensure efficiency in public expenditure, the Finance Department has directed all the Departments to adhere to the directives that have been issued from time to time aiming at promoting efficiency and bringing in transparency in Government expenditure.
The Finance Department has also warned of disciplinary action against the officials in case any unauthorized, irregular or wasteful expenditures come to the fore while directing the Administrative Departments to adhere to the guidelines in letter and spirit.
It said that all the procurements shall be made through e-tendering only, while as time-barred claims of the Government employees shall be settled by the departments in terms of instructions issued by the GAD.
“A time-barred claim shall be paid with the express sanction of the Government issued with the previous consent of the Finance Department,” it said.
It also said that the retrospective effect shall not be given by competent authorities to sanctions relating to revision of pay or grant of concession to Government servants, except in very special circumstances with the previous consent of the Finance Department.
The Finance Department impressed that all the Government Departments must procure Goods & Services available on GeM, through GeM only.
“Purchases outside the GeM shall be made only after obtaining the non-availability report from GeM. No bills pertaining to purchases made outside GeM shall be entertained by the Treasury Officers if the non-availability report from GeM (GeMAR&PTS) is not enclosed with the bill,” the Finance Department underlined.
It advised that local filters shall be used for procurement from local manufacturers up to Rs 5.00 lacs from Government Marketplace (GeM).
“For purchases above Rs. 5 lakh, additional terms and conditions clause (ATC) shall be invoked by the departments for restricting procurement within a geographical limit through the process of bidding on GeM in appropriate cases,” it said.
It had also been stated that no works shall be commenced or liability incurred in connection with it until and administrative approval is obtained in this regard.
The Finance Department also underlined that no works shall be commenced until “sanction to incur expenditure has been obtained, a properly detailed design sanctioned, technical sanction obtained, funds to cover the charge provided, tenders invited and processed in accordance with the rules, a work order has been issued,” it said.
The Department has also directed all the Controlling Officers to ensure that no tenders are invited unless administrative approval and technical sanction have been accorded and funds are available in the Budget.
“Physical verification of the works/projects has been made mandatory for ensuring accountability & transparency; the past liabilities in case of works shall be processed as per the circular guidelines issued by the Finance Department vide Endorsement No. A/ 40(2017)-492 dated: 26.04.2021,” it said.
The Finance Department has also directed the departments to take effective steps to ensure that unauthorized, irregular and wasteful expenditure is avoided.
“The recoverability of unauthorized, irregular or wasteful expenditure must also be considered and appropriate disciplinary action against concerned officers/ officials initiated,” it said.
The officials said that the instructions that have been issued shall promote efficiency, simplicity and transparency in the Government financial system and procedures. “It will enable an improved, efficient and effective framework of fiscal Management to facilitate timely delivery of services,” it said.
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