SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government, while emphasising its commitment to job creation, has issued a detailed austerity policy that imposes strict limits on new employment opportunities and fiscal expenditure.
Under Government Order No. 16-F of 2025, issued today, the administration has categorically stated that no new posts will be created. Filling of regular vacancies is to be undertaken exclusively through the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) or the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC), and only with the concurrence of the Finance Department. Positions that have remained vacant for more than two years are to be surrendered and will not be revived except under rare and unavoidable circumstances, subject to clearance from the Finance Department.
The order, issued by the Finance Department, also specifies a range of expenditure management measures for the financial year 2024-25. These include limiting revenue expenditure to 30 per cent of the budget allocation during the last quarter and restricting March expenditures to 15 per cent. Payments in the final month are permitted solely for completed works or already procured goods and services, with advance payments largely prohibited.
Austerity measures extend to various areas, with a 10 per cent cut imposed on budgets for office expenses, leave travel concessions, telephone charges, fuel, advertisements, hospitality, and publicity. Seminars and conferences are to be organised only when necessary, with a strong discouragement of events outside Jammu and Kashmir. Meetings and conferences are banned at private hotels, requiring the use of government venues instead.
The policy also regulates vehicle purchases, permitting them only in cases of critical operational needs, with a 20 per cent reduction in costs against condemned vehicles. Any such purchases must be approved by the Finance Department and proceeds from the auction of old vehicles must be deposited as miscellaneous revenue.
Travel expenditures are similarly restricted, with international travel requiring specific permission and domestic travel limited to economy class, regardless of the traveller’s entitlement. Departments are encouraged to use video conferencing to avoid travel for meetings, and a 10 per cent reduction has been imposed on the overall travel budget.
Furniture procurement is prohibited except for newly established offices, and old furniture must be auctioned. Official dinners and lunches are banned unless hosted by the Lieutenant Governor or the Chief Minister, or with their explicit approval.
The government has also directed all departments to adhere strictly to General Financial Rules, Central Vigilance Commission guidelines, and instructions on e-tendering and GEM-based procurement. Non-priority works such as repairs and renovations of residential and office buildings are to be deferred, with no fresh financial commitments allowed for activities not included in the approved budget.
The austerity measures aim to optimise resource allocation for priority projects while maintaining fiscal discipline. Administrative Secretaries are tasked with ensuring compliance, supported by Directors of Finance, who will also report to the Finance Department.
