Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said decision to shift the Planning Department’s functions to the Finance Department is under review of his Government and any necessary changes will be implemented accordingly.
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Omar, who holds charge of both Finance and Planning Departments, was replying to supplementaries by National Conference MLA Javid Hassan Beig during Question Hour in the Legislative Assembly.
“I have already mentioned during the budget and grants discussion that the functions of the Planning Department were being transferred to the Finance Department, and the Government is now reviewing the decision to determine if any modifications are needed,” he said.
Responding to another supplementary on delay in payment of own GPF to the employees, Omar acknowledged that employees sometimes experience delays in receiving their disbursements.
“This occurs when the treasury position becomes constrained. However, we are making every effort to ensure that employees receive their GP funds as quickly as possible,” he assured the House.
He stated that Rs 5,476 crore have been paid as GPF during the 2024-25 financial year.
Omar clarified that the allocation of funds-whether for Revenue Expenditure or Capital Expenditure-falls under the purview of the Finance Department in accordance with business rules and statutory norms.
Earlier, while responding to the member’s question, the Chief Minister informed the House that funds for all departments in the J&K Government are allocated through the Budget Estimation, Allocation & Monitoring System (BEAMS), which is the most efficient mechanism for real-time fund allocation.
He highlighted that this system has significantly improved efficiency, accountability, and reporting while ensuring effective monitoring of financial resources.
Omar stated that the Finance Department has been handling the Capex Budget since FY 2019-20.
He further elaborated that IT-enabled platforms such as BEAMS, PAYSYS (Payment System), PROOF (Photographic Record of On-site Facility), and Treasury Net have been implemented to enable real-time tracking of resource flow and expenditure, ensuring greater transparency and accountability in public finances.
“Additionally, through the EMPOWERMENT (Enabling Monitoring and Public Overview of Works Executed and Resources for Meaningful Transparency) system / Janbhagidari portal, every citizen has access to track the release of funds from the Finance Department down to the level of the executing/implementing agency. This is the first-of-its-kind system that allows people to oversee works being executed in their areas, with real-time progress monitoring. This initiative serves as a powerful tool for the real empowerment of the general public,” he said.
Meanwhile, in response to another question of PDP MLA Waheed ur Rehman Para, Omar said that NHPC has allocated a total of Rs. 28.674 crore for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in J&K for the financial year 2024-25, out of a total Rs. 167.93 crore earmarked for pan-India CSR initiatives.
He informed the House that NHPC’s CSR activities cover key sectors such as health and sanitation, education and skill development, rural development, sports, and disaster management.
In response to a supplementary question, the Chief Minister emphasized the need for consulting the MLA while planning and implementing CSR projects.
“We will convey this recommendation to NHPC and request them to involve the MLA in identifying priority areas for CSR initiatives,” he said.
He further added that CSR funds should be utilized in consultation with local communities, ensuring that the maximum benefits reach the people.
“As far as I know, the company consults with local stakeholders before making decisions on CSR projects to ensure the most effective use of these funds,” Omar said.
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