STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Immediately after assuming office here this morning, Minister for Finance, Labour and Employment and Culture, Dr Haseeb A Drabu took a comprehensive review of the current state of the economy and functioning of the Finance Department at a meeting convened here on Tuesday.
Commissioner Secretary, Navin K Choudhary and other senior officers of the Finance Department were present in the meeting.
Dr Drabu called for immediately undertaking Budget preparation exercise which is to be passed by the Legislature before June end. He underscored that the budget should be reform-driven and key outcome-oriented, rather than presenting aggregation of numbers.
Dr Drabu emphasized that while adequate funds would be provided for developmental activities, it is critical that a sound expenditure monitoring mechanism be established to ensure tangible results on ground. He directed Finance Secretary to work out a detailed mechanism in this regard. Emphasising on the technology driven monitoring of the flagship programmes of the State government and centrally sponsored schemes, Dr. Drabu asked for preparation of a calendar indicating milestones of fiscal and financial achievements under these programmes.
While reviewing the liquidity position and expressing satisfaction over relatively better financial closure last year, Dr. Drabu ordered for immediate release of Rs 400 crore today to clear the salary, wages and pending GPF liability of the employees.
