Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced today that the shift of Planning Department’s functions to the Finance Department is under government review, ensuring necessary modifications if required.
🗣️ “The Government is reassessing the decision to transfer the Planning Department’s functions to the Finance Department and will make changes as needed.”
Omar, who holds charge of both departments, made this statement during Question Hour in the Legislative Assembly in response to NC MLA Javid Hassan Beig’s queries.
📌 GPF Payment Delays & Treasury Constraints
Addressing concerns over delays in General Provident Fund (GPF) payments, the Chief Minister admitted that treasury constraints sometimes slow disbursements but assured efforts to expedite payments.
🔹 ₹5,476 crore disbursed as GPF in FY 2024-25
🔹 Delays linked to treasury position constraints
🔹 Govt committed to ensuring timely payments
🗣️ “We are making every effort to release GP funds to employees as quickly as possible.”
📊 Finance Department’s Role & Digital Transformation
Omar clarified that fund allocation—whether Revenue or Capital Expenditure—is strictly managed by the Finance Department, as per statutory norms.
🔹 BEAMS (Budget Estimation, Allocation & Monitoring System) ensures real-time fund allocation
🔹 IT-enabled platforms like PAYSYS, PROOF & Treasury Net improve transparency and efficiency
🔹 Janbhagidari portal allows citizens to track fund releases & monitor public projects in real-time
🗣️ “EMPOWERMENT through Janbhagidari gives people a direct role in overseeing development projects.”
💰 NHPC Allocates ₹28.67 Cr for J&K Under CSR
Responding to PDP MLA Waheed ur Rehman Para’s query, Omar revealed that NHPC has earmarked ₹28.674 crore for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects in J&K for FY 2024-25, as part of its ₹167.93 crore pan-India CSR budget.
🔹 Key Focus Areas:
✔️ Health & Sanitation
✔️ Education & Skill Development
✔️ Rural Development
✔️ Sports & Disaster Management
🔹 CM’s Assurance: MLAs will be consulted in CSR project planning
🔹 Community Participation: CSR funds should align with local priorities
🗣️ “We will ask NHPC to involve MLAs and communities in planning CSR projects to maximize impact.”
With major financial and governance decisions under review, the coming months will determine how these policies impact J&K’s economy, infrastructure, and public welfare.
