J&K Finance Department to Begin Budget Discussions from December 1

The Finance Department of Jammu and Kashmir is preparing to initiate its annual budget planning for the financial year 2026-27, starting on December 1. In an official announcement, the department has informed all administrative secretaries that discussions regarding budget proposals will take place from December 1 to December 16.

This important process will involve detailed discussions with 36 government departments, focusing on both the revised estimates (RE) for the financial year 2025-26 and the budget estimates (BE) for 2026-27. The discussions will cover revenue and capital components, including significant allocations for Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), the Prime Minister’s Development Programme (PMDP), and loan provisions.

To ensure efficiency and a data-driven approach, all departments are required to submit Action Taken Reports (ATRs) regarding previous budget announcements before their scheduled discussion dates. This will help the Finance Department evaluate the implementation status, identify delays, and highlight areas needing additional financial support.

Additionally, departments must provide detailed information about their Establishment Budgets and compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act. These reports are vital for assessing the financial health and administrative needs of each department.

The Finance Department has also instructed all participating departments to create comprehensive PowerPoint presentations (PPTs) that include essential financial information. These presentations should feature staffing details, such as the number of sanctioned positions, employees currently in place, and any contractual engagements. Departments must also analyze expenditure trends for both revenue and capital components, specifically highlighting the performance of key schemes over the past five years.

Furthermore, departments are required to present data on revenue receipts, including past trends and potential for future enhancement. The presentations should also outline major ongoing and upcoming projects, along with updates on total liabilities associated with these initiatives. This progress-oriented approach aims to provide the Finance Department with a clear overview of the current financial landscape before finalizing the budget for 2026-27.

With the preparation period concluding on December 16, the Jammu and Kashmir administration seeks to establish a transparent, efficient, and development-focused budget. The forthcoming fiscal plan is expected to prioritize infrastructure development, social welfare, employment generation, and enhanced public service delivery across the Union Territory.

The commencement of budget discussions is a crucial step in defining the financial priorities of Jammu and Kashmir for the next year, ensuring that departments operate with clarity, accountability, and improved planning.