Jammu Kashmir Govt Sets Capex Ceilings, Mandates Timely Execution, Outcome-Driven Spending for 2026–27 | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The Finance Department Jammu and Kashmir has issued comprehensive guidelines and conveyed Capital Expenditure (Capex) ceilings for the Budget Estimates 2026–27, directing all departments and districts to ensure timely authorization, strict financial discipline, and outcome-based execution of development works across Jammu and Kashmir.

As per an official memorandum, all Administrative Departments and District Development Commissioners (DDCs) have been instructed to upload approved works on the BEAMS portal under the prescribed format by April 21. This will enable immediate authorization of 50 percent of allocated funds for execution.

The government has mandated that 70 percent of Capex allocations be utilized for completion of ongoing projects, while only 30 percent can be earmarked for new works—aimed at preventing delays and avoiding the proliferation of underfunded projects.

Departments have been directed to prioritize pending works, including those under the JPKCC, and address funding gaps within approved ceilings. All projects must be properly coded and tracked on the BEAMS portal to ensure transparency.

District plans are to be finalized in consultation with elected representatives, including MLAs, following a “whole-of-government and whole-of-society” approach integrating grassroots priorities.

The guidelines emphasize completion timelines of one to two years for new projects, extendable only in exceptional cases. Ongoing and spillover works due for completion in 2026–27 will receive first charge on the Capex budget.

Reinforcing accountability, departments have been asked to prepare Annual Plans with measurable outcomes, focusing on tangible public benefits rather than expenditure alone. Strict instructions have been issued against diversion of Capex funds for revenue purposes or sanctioning incomplete DPRs.

To enhance transparency, executing agencies must upload geo-tagged photographs before, during, and after project execution on the PROOF application.

The government has also mandated inclusion of all cost components—such as land compensation, forest clearances, and utility shifting—in DPRs to avoid execution delays.

No deviation from approved project scope will be permitted beyond prescribed limits, and officers have been warned against creating liabilities from unauthorized works, with personal accountability fixed for violations.

For centrally sponsored and externally funded projects, departments must reflect both Central and UT shares on BEAMS, while ensuring real-time fund tracking through the PFMS.

The Finance Department further assured that funds under Centrally Sponsored Schemes will be released within one day of receiving sanctions, and payments processed via Cyber Treasury will be promptly integrated with PFMS.

Special focus has been placed on implementation of Budget 2026–27 announcements, with periodic high-level reviews to monitor progress.

In a move to strengthen monitoring in key sectors, departments such as Public Works, Jal Shakti, Forest, and Power Development will receive subsequent fund installments only after full implementation of the Works Activity Monitoring System (WAMS), covering the entire project lifecycle.

The government has reiterated that all policy directions of the Council of Ministers and inputs from public representatives must be incorporated into final plans, ensuring inclusive and accountable development governance.