J-K to take strict action against ''deadwood'' in finance dept

Jammu, Feb 26 (PTI) Jammu and Kashmir Finance MinisterAbdul Rahim Rather today said strict action will be takenagainst non-performing officers of the department and warnedthem against any laxity in budgetary control.

"Non-performing officers will have to face strictaction. Time has now come to remove the deadwood from thedepartment," Rather said during a high-level meeting at thestate finance department here.

Cautioning finance officials against laxity inbudgetary control, the minister said every audit and inquiryreport will be viewed seriously and strict action will betaken against those responsible. "The state''s fragile economycannot afford financial indiscipline or irregularity of anykind."He asked every department to minutely monitorexpenditures and to see withdrawals do not exceed budgetaryallocation.

Rather sought prompt response on audit and inspectionreports, Draft Audit Paras, reconciliation of revenues andexpenditure. He also asked for physical verification of storesin the first quarter, submission of Red Accounts andQuarterly Progress Reports.

The minister said General Provident Fund subscriptionhas not increased despite implementation of sixth paycommission in the state. "This speaks about non-seriousness ofsome finance controlling officers, which cannot becompromised."

He said within three months, another meeting will beheld to review performance of each officer.

Meanwhile, appreciating the finance department for itssignificant contribution in making Finance Accountsand Appropriation Accounts on time, the Accountant Generaloffice disclosed that this year the state Finance Account2009-10 was first to be signed by the Controller and AuditorGeneral of India.