Instead of travelling to places, use facility of video conferencing, reads Finance Department’s order
Srinagar: The order issued by the finance department recently has asked the officers of all the departments and corporations under the government of Jammu and Kashmir that their luxurious expenses would no longer be borne by the state government.
The circular issued by the state finance department regarding the issue has asked the officers of all the departments that utmost economy should be observed in organising conferences/ workshops, seminars in the state. The circular has further asked the bureaucrats that only such conferences, seminars and workshops which are absolutely essential should be held.
The trend earlier was seen that the departments were found showing huge expenditure on unnecessary workshops and seminars and the expenses of which had to be borne out of the state exchequer.
The circular, in this regard, further reads, “Holding of exhibitions, fairs, seminars, conferences outside the state is strongly discouraged except in the case of exhibition for tourism or handicrafts promotion.”
The government has further banned holding of meetings and conferences at private hotels and has asked the bureaucrats to hold such meets in government buildings.
The new vehicles, as per the circular cannot be purchased by the bureaucrats of the state unless they have prior permission of the finance department.
The order reads, “Travel expenditure should be regulated so as to ensure that each department remains within the allocated budget for the same. Re-appropriation/ augmentation proposals on this account will not be entertained.”
Also the bureaucrats have been asked to no longer travel by the Business Class- the bills for which are paid by the tax payers of the state. They have been asked to use the economy class instead of the Business class in the recent order by the government.
“In all cases of air travel, the lowest air fare ticket available for entitled class is to be purchased,” reads the circular.
The government has asked the bureaucrats to use the latest technology and instead of travelling to the place, facility of video conferencing can be used.
The order has stated further that no fresh financial commitments will be made on items which are not provided for in the approved budget.
(With inputs from KNS)
