J&K rolls out austerity measures: Bans official dinners, new vehicles and tightens travel rules

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir government Saturday issued a circular directing all departments to implement austerity measures, calling it as “economy and austerity measures for rationalization of expenditure.” The measures include a ban on official dinners and lunches, restrictions on holding exhibitions outside Jammu and Kashmir, and a freeze on the purchase of new vehicles and many others.The opposition has sharply criticised the circular. The Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Lone said that “the government promised creation of one lakh new jobs for the youth in their manifesto. And now rubbing salt into the wounds of those who voted for them, it has now banned the creation of new posts.”“Even posts that have remained vacant for two years will be surrendered. This government will go down in history as one the most dishonest government ever elected. Lies, lies and lies. Nothing else. They have been lying through their teeth,” Lone said.According to the circular issued by the Finance Department, there will be a complete ban on official dinners, lunches, receptions and similar hospitality functions, except those hosted by the lieutenant governor and the chief minister. The order also said no new posts will be created. However, the circular said that filling up of regular posts will be undertaken only through the prescribed recruitment agencies. The government said that the engagement of consultants, outsourcing agencies and contractual support services will be allowed only after a “careful assessment.” The circular also said that no fresh financial commitments will be made on schemes, or proposals which are not provided for in the approved budget estimates for 2026-27.The circular further said seminars, conferences, workshops, training programmes will be undertaken only where absolutely necessary and after exploring virtual alternatives. Holding of exhibitions, fairs, seminars, conferences, and workshops outside the Union Territory of J&K is strongly discouraged. There be a complete ban on holding meetings and conferences in private hotels and commercial venues.Expenditure on ceremonial events, functions, excessive branding, souvenir printing, promotional materials, and non-essential publicity activities will be minimized. Purchase of new vehicles is strictly discouraged. The government has asked the departments to ensure “optimal utilization and pooling of available government vehicles and avoid deployment of vehicles beyond functional necessity.”International travel will not be permitted unless specific approval is obtained from the Finance Department. Departments have to make use of video conferencing and virtual platforms for meetings, consultations, and reviews so as to minimize avoidable travel expenditure. However, within the country, all officers will travel only by economy class irrespective of entitlement if need arises.The departments have been asked to stop unnecessary use of official vehicles, generators, air-conditioning systems, lighting, and other energy-consuming equipment. Travel within the UT has to be preferred by road or rail for all officers. “No furniture will be procured except in case of newly established offices and only with the concurrence of the Finance Department,” the circular added.