WAJAHAT SHABIR
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Finance Department hasscheduled discussions on the Revised Estimates for 2026-27 and Budget Estimates for 2027-28 from November 16, with the exercise set to continue until December 2.
According to an order issued by the Finance Department on October 31, the discussions will cover both revenue and capital components, including Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP) and loan components.
The department has directed all administrative departments to submit Action Taken Reports on budget announcements, wherever applicable, along with complete details of their establishment budgets and compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) framework well in advance of their scheduled discussions.
Departments have also been asked to prepare PowerPoint presentations covering staffing details, including sanctioned strength, employees in position and contractual staff.
The presentations must include scheme-wise trends in revenue and capital expenditure, revenue receipts over the past five years and the scope for enhancing revenue generation.
Departments will also have to present details of major projects and initiatives, liabilities of ongoing projects, and key features of the proposed budget for the ensuing year, along with corresponding outputs, outcomes and targets.
The Finance Department has further directed departments to indicate how their budget proposals align with the relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
As per the schedule, discussions will begin on November 16 with the Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Department, followed by the Industries and Commerce Department and the Mining Department.
The School Education Department is scheduled for discussion on November 18, while the Jal Shakti (PHE) Department will be taken up on November 19.
The Agriculture Production and Horticulture departments will be discussed on November 20, followed by the Public Works Department, Housing and Urban Development Department and Jal Shakti (I&FC) on November 25.
The Tourism Department is scheduled for November 27, while discussions on the Health and Medical Education Department and Planning, Development and Monitoring Department will take place on November 30.
The schedule will conclude on December 2 with discussions on the Higher Education Department, Power Development Department and Finance Department.
The order also directs departments to ensure that only officers whose participation is absolutely necessary attend the discussions.
Heads of Departments based in Kashmir and Jammu, along with Deputy Commissioners, will participate through video conferencing.
The Finance Department has also requested the Director Estates to keep a meeting hall available at the Civil Secretariat in Jammu during the budget discussions.
