Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR : Finance Department today organised a day-long workshop on “Transformation and Reforms in Financial Management” at SKICC here.
The workshop was attended by Director General(s) of Finance and Planning Departments, Director(s) Finance in Administrative Departments, FA&CAOs in Administrative Departments, FAs/CAOs/Accounts officers posted with HoDs/DDCs, Treasury officers and other senior officers of the Department.
The focus of the workshop was to apprise the participants about the priorities of the Government and implementation of its schemes through digital platforms for better outcomes at the field level.
Chief Secretary Dr Arun Kumar Mehta who was chief guest on the occasion highlighted major reforms taken up by J&K Government to bring greater transparency and accountability in the financial system making it more robust and outcome oriented. He said that since 2019 many reforms had been taken in the financial management system which has resulted in producing far better outcomes.
Chief Secretary said that the key reforms introduced by the Government in its financial structure envisaging added transparency and accountability and has brought UT’s fiscal system at par with any other system in the country. He maintained that implementation of transformative reforms such as Budget Estimation and Allocation Monitoring System (BEAMS), online submission of bills through J&K PaySys, mandatory administrative approvals, technical sanctions and e-tendering, digital payments, GFR, GeM and related measures have greatly helped the financial systems in J&K to be efficient, transparent and result oriented.
Dr Mehta complimented the Finance Department for bringing in necessary changes for the overhaul of the system and said that the department has been at the forefront in eradication of corruption at all levels. “Today we could safely conclude that the financial system in J&K is one of the most transparent systems anywhere and is among the key changes that have taken roots in the UT after 2019”, he added.
Chief Secretary said that the Government has completed 92000 works during 2022-23 which was unthinkable in the recent past as the number of completed works would be around 9000 before 2019.
He also said that the feedback taken from the panchayats is highly encouraging as no complaint is being received from them regarding the works. He said that works are taking place 3-4 times more on the same amount of money and without facing any obstacles as this year 43000 works have been completed in panchayats which was just about 3000 before this system was put in place. He said that the officers involved in this transformation should feel proud to be part of this journey.
Regarding the number of beneficiaries receiving old age pension, widow pension, the CS said that number of beneficiaries has increased from 4.5 lakh to 10 lakh without putting any further burden on the state exchequer. He also said that 11.5 lakh beneficiaries have been weeded out from the CAPD department without anyone complaining about the same. He said that the money is reaching where it is intended to reach and there is no siphoning of public money now due to DBT and digitisation of services.
He recalled that the officers of the Finance Department are the protectors of the public exchequer and they should make this department most happening department in the country and achieve the financial discipline for achieving saturation of all the beneficiary led schemes.
Dr Mehta said that promoting good governance in the financial management has been one of the core objectives of the Government and people are able to oversee works being executed in their areas on a real time basis on EMPOWERMENT portal.
He also reiterated that the Government has zero tolerance against any kind of irregularity in any recruitment process undertaken by any recruiting agency of the J&K Government. He assured that the confidence of our youth in these institutions is paramount for the administration and it would be safeguarded at any cost to ensure that the Government jobs are acquired by deserving candidates on merit only.
Some of the main topics which came under discussion during this day-long workshop includes Role of GST as a fulcrum of J&K’s Own Tax Revenues, People’s participation through EMPOWERMENT/ JANBAGHIDARI, E-Audit and performance auditing, PFMS and CNA/SNA Module, Introduction of IT in GP Fund, Co-relation between Finance and Investigations, and Digital Payments & DBT.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta addressed inaugural session of the 3-Day SAPI Annual Conference & Symposium held on the theme ‘Technology driven physiological capacity building in livestock for food security and sustainability (SAPICON-2023)’ at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology (SKUAST) Srinagar.
Dr Mehta advised the Agricultural University to draw an action plan based upon the suggestions of experts and scientists to tackle future problems. He impressed upon them that the future is going to be technology and knowledge driven and there is need to prepare for accepting the challenges.
Tag: india
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Govt has brought greater transparency, accountability to financial system since 2019: CS
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Chamoli administration issued bulletin regarding Chardham Yatra
Uttarakhand. Chamoli district administration has issued a bulletin regarding the Chardham Yatra. In which detailed information about the passengers has been given. Along with this, Chairman of Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, Ajendra Ajay has said that due to continuous rain and snowfall for the last few days, adverse situation has remained in Kedarnath and Badrinath. All steps have been taken for a pleasant darshan of the pilgrims. But still pilgrims are requested to be careful.
The Meteorological Department has appealed to the devotees coming for the Chardham Yatra not to come for a few days. The weather is expected to be clear after May 4, plan your journey only after that. Let us tell that in Uttarakhand, the process of continuous rain is going on from the mountains to the plains. In such a situation, roads have also been blocked in many places. At the same time, snowfall continues in the Chardham region, especially in Kedarnath.
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Police will encounter rioters in Manipur, Army deployed in 8 districts
Manipur. In Manipur, the government has given shoot-at-sight orders to rioters who indulge in violence. Earlier, Section 144 was imposed in violence-hit areas. Internet service has been suspended in the state for the next 5 days. Actually, violence took place during the demonstration of tribals on Wednesday. After this curfew was imposed in 8 districts. 55 companies of Army and Assam Rifles have been deployed. 9000 people have been shifted to relief camps. Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Chief Minister N Biren Singh over phone and inquired about the situation. Biren Singh issued a video message this morning appealing to the people to maintain peace. At the same time, the Center has also sent RAF teams for deployment in the violence-hit areas of the northeastern state. According to sources, five companies of RAF have been airlifted to Imphal, while another 15 general duty companies have been asked to be ready for deployment in the state.
The All India Tribal Student Union had called for a Tribal Solidarity March on Wednesday. Meanwhile, clashes broke out between tribal and non-tribal communities. The tribal community was protesting against the demand that Schedule Tribe (ST) status be given to the non-tribal Meitei community. The Manipur High Court has directed the state government to consider the demand of the Meitei community and send recommendations to the Center within 4 months. After this order, violence started between tribals and non-tribals. Mary Kom, who won the Olympic bronze for India in women’s boxing, shared some photos of the violence on social media. Although he did not mention when and where these pictures were taken. He wrote – My state is burning. Mary Kom said that the situation is very bad. It is unfortunate that some people lost their family members in the violence.
Police said that thousands of people took part in the tribal march. During this time violence broke out between tribals and non-tribals. To control the situation, the police also fired several rounds of tear gas shells, but the violence did not stop. After this the army and the Assam Rifles were called. Curfew has been imposed in Imphal West, Kakching Thoubal, Jiribam, Bishnupur, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal in the state. According to sources, five companies of Rapid Action Force (RAF) have been sent to the capital Imphal. About 15 companies of CRPF are already present in Manipur. Additional force has also been put on alert. Chief Minister Biren Singh said the reason for the violence was misunderstanding between the two communities. Long standing grievances will be properly resolved through people’s advice. Keep calm. Explain that Meitei is a non-tribal community. It accounts for 53% of the population of Manipur. Mainly the people of this community live in the Manipur Valley. They have been demanding ST status for their community for the last 10 years. They say that people from Myanmar and Bangladesh have entered the state on a large scale and because of that they are facing problems. As per the existing law, the Meitei community is not allowed to settle in the hilly areas of the state. -
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami greeted the people of the state on Buddha Purnima
Uttarakhand. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has extended best wishes to all the people of the state on the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima. In his greeting message issued on the eve of Buddha Purnima, the Chief Minister said that the welfare of humanity is possible only by following the path of love, non-violence and compassion shown to the world by Lord Buddha. His message is also an invaluable treasure for the entire humanity. The Chief Minister said that at present, an environment of peace and harmony can be created in the world by following the path shown by Mahatma Buddha. His message to mankind will always remain relevant.
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Army helicopter crashes in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar area, three people on board: Officials
NEW DELHI: The Army ALH Dhruv Helicopter crashed near Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar area on Thursday morning. The crash took place in the hill district’s Marwah area, the officials said.
The Army officials said that the pilot and co-pilot were rescued in an injured condition but are safe and are under going treatment.
Officials had earlier said there were three people on board. More details are awaited.
Earlier this March, two pilots were killed after an Indian Army Aviation Cheetah helicopter crashed near the Mandala hills area in Arunachal Pradesh.
A search operation was carried out by the Indian Army, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and police after the crash.
Accordong to officials Army’s Cheetah helicopter was on an operational sortie when it lost contact with the Air Traffic Controller. It was reported to have crashed near Mandala, West of Bomdila. -
Man-animal conflict, compensation raised to Rs 6 lakh
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday increased the compensation for deaths in man-animal conflicts to Rs 6 lakh. The earlier amount was Rs. 4 lakh.
Similarly, the amount of ex-gratia in case of permanent injury has been increased, in case of less than 60 percent disability, the amount of assistance shall be has increased Rs 1.5 lakh.
Furthermore, Rs 1 lakh was the earlier amount of compensation. In case of more than 60 percent disability, the amount of assistance has been increased to Rs 2.5 lakh.
It is note worthy that, in case of temporary injury earlier the amount of assistance was Rs 5000. Now in case of need of treatment for more than a week assistance of Rs 10000 will be provided along with free treatment in government hospital.
The amount of assistance has also increased in case of death of cattle. The amount of assistance in case of death of cattle has been increased to Rs 37,500 and in case of death of a buffalo it has increased to Rs 32,000.
In the case of complete, crop damage the amount of assistance has also been increased. The amount of assistance in case of loss of rice and other food grains (cereal) has been increased from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 per acre.
In the case of economic crop damage, the amount of assistance has been increased from Rs 12,000 to Rs 25,000. Likewise, the amount of assistance in case of partial damage of houses has been increased from Rs 2000 to Rs 10,000.
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Abhishek meets tribal trio who were made to crawl, assures action
Kolkata: Trinamool national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday evening met the three tribal women in South Dinajpur’s Tapan who were asked to crawl for a kilometre after they left BJP and came to join TMC. After speaking with them, Banerjee said the party and the administration would take strong steps in the case.
Referring to the April 7 incident, Banerjee told reporters, “This (incident) cannot be supported in any civilised society. Be it Trinamool Congress, or any other political party. The state administration took a strict stand that whoever were involved in the incident would not be spared. Two persons have been arrested, they have been in custody for a long while and are now out on bail.”
Banerjee said, “We had learnt that our women’s wing president had some involvement in this. Having learnt of it, the party removed her within 24 hours and replaced her with Snehalata Hembram.” He added, “Today I have met the three ST sisters and had tea with them. They have confided in me a few things. It will be improper to speak about it in the media. But I want to make it clear that however big a leader is, if they are involved in this, they will not be spared.”
Banerjee’s efforts to address the Tapan issue came after he met the North Dinajpur party leadership in Itahar, where he stayed overnight. Around 25 leaders, including MLAs, attended the meeting. However, Islampore’s 11-time MLA Abdul Karim Chowdhury skipped it. Chowdhury had earlier chosen not to attend Banerjee’s public meeting in Islampore — merely 1.5km away from his home.
After the meeting, Banerjee visited the Tebhaga Movement Martyr Memorial in Balurghat. He interacted with kin of the martyrs, who expressed their disappointment over not receiving houses which they had applied for. Banerjee assured financial assistance of Rs 50,000 each to all 14 families.
At his several public rallies, Banerjee slammed BJP for practising vendetta politics: “I ask the BJP leaders to fight Trinamool Congress politically. Do not harass the poor. BJP leaders can abuse me as much as they want, but you have to release the dues of the people first.”
He also said that no amount of harassment by ED or CBI would deter him and he would not bow down to BJP.
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Administration issued bulletin regarding Badrinath and Kedarnath Yatra
Uttarakhand. Chamoli district administration has issued a bulletin regarding the Chardham Yatra. In which detailed information about the passengers has been given. Along with this, Chairman of Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, Ajendra Ajay has said that due to continuous rain and snowfall for the last few days, adverse situation has remained in Kedarnath and Badrinath. All steps have been taken for a pleasant darshan of the pilgrims. But still pilgrims are requested to be careful.
The Meteorological Department has appealed to the devotees coming for the Chardham Yatra not to come for a few days. The weather is expected to be clear after May 4, plan your journey only after that. Let us tell that in Uttarakhand, the process of continuous rain is going on from the mountains to the plains. In such a situation, roads have also been blocked in many places. At the same time, snowfall continues in the Chardham region, especially in Kedarnath.
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Odisha Partners With Chicago University Trust To Leverage Data For Innovation, Policy Decision
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Wednesday rolled out a five-year strategic partnership with the University of Chicago Trust (UCT) for using data to advance innovations and drive policy decisions. This was announced in a grant agreement event for Data, Policy and Innovation Centre (DPIC) here.
Earlier in January this year, both had signed an MoU to establish DPIC to support evidence-based research in areas of energy and environment, health, education, agriculture and water & sanitation, and catalyse the efforts to develop a high-quality data interface for enabling evidence-based governance of existing programs.
Speaking on the collaboration, Electronics and Information Technology Minister Tusharkanti Behera said, “Establishment of the DPIC is a testament to Odisha government’s commitment to the State’s development across various sectors.”
He expressed satisfaction that scholars from around the world are conducting research in Odisha and taking their findings to the rest of the world, adding that evidence and data-driven policies would tremendously benefit the state.
DPIC aims to enable rigorous, evidence-based governance while using new advances in econometrics, data science, and machine learning and act as a center of excellence for collecting big data from many sources. The UCT through the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC India) and its other research centers are supporting the government in operationalising DPIC.
“Odisha has always been at the forefront of using data for testing innovative ideas. Five years ago, we worked with the state government to launch a one-of-its-kind and data-driven transparency program for industries. In a way, it’s a homecoming for us and we are excited to work closely with the government in further advancing data and evidence-driven policy making,” said Professor Michael Greenstone, Professor in Economics Milton Friedman and Director of Energy Policy Institute at University of Chicago.
The partnership will adopt a comprehensive three-pronged approach that will not only focus on research but also on increasing the capacity of government officials in Odisha towards enhancing the utilisation of data to enhance decision-making in the State.
Researchers from the University of Chicago will provide support to the government by offering insights into the efficacy of ongoing programs, proposing modifications to accomplish government objectives, and creating and assessing innovative large-scale research field pilots.
Additionally, the team will use the knowledge gained from research in Odisha to expand operations not only within the State but also in other parts of the country.
The signing of the agreement, which took place at Odisha Computer Application Centre (OCAC) in Bhubaneswar, was attended by E&IT Minister Tusharkanti Behera, Principal Secretary Manoj Mishra, Additional Secretary and OCAC CEO Manoj Kumar Pattnaik, Special Secretary and OCAC MD Manas Ranjan Panda and senior officials from the University of Chicago.
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Big campaign will run against fake clinics and encroachment, DM gave instructions
Nainital. District Magistrate Dhiraj Singh Garbyal lodged complaints in the Janata Darbar on Wednesday mainly related to the problems of drinking water, road, pension, mining, encroachment, electricity, arms licence, etc. Most of the complaints were resolved on the spot by the District Magistrate. Kiya and Garbyal also instructed the concerned officials present on the spot to inform the concerned complainant while redressing the problems within the stipulated time period. In the Janata Darbar, the District Magistrate instructed City Magistrate Richa Singh that the government land on which construction work is proposed in the city, but due to encroachment, the work is getting affected. He instructed the City Magistrate to take immediate action against encroachers on government land, along with giving notice, so that works of public interest can be conducted easily. He instructed the City Magistrate/Sub-Divisional Magistrate that fire permission for fireworks should be given away from the city in view of the safety of public interest. So that future accidents can be avoided. The District Magistrate directed the City Magistrate as well as the Chief Medical Officer to regularly check the illegal clinics, medical stores running in the city and strict action should be taken against the fake clinics running illegally.
Area Panchayat representative Soban Singh Chilwal resident of Budaun in the Janata Darbar on Wednesday told that along with irregularities by the village head in Gram Panchayat Badaun development block Okhalkanda, only one family is being paid continuously from MNREGA. He requested for an inquiry. On which the District Magistrate directed the Chief Development Officer to investigate immediately and take advance action. Former Minister Harish Chandra Durgapal had built about 01 km road from development block Ramgarh Dobatia Satkhol to Government Inter College Puda last year but the road has been damaged a lot. He requested for the reconstruction of the said road and construction of security wall on the side, but the District Magistrate instructed the Executive Engineer, LNIV to submit the estimate. Chairman Dinesh Chandra Buransh Farmer Producer Company Limited, Kotabagh said that for mandi and rural haat, requested to provide barren land near Panluva drain of development block Kotabagh. The District Magistrate who directed the Deputy Collector Kaladhugi to investigate immediately and submit the report.
In Janata Darbar, Dinesh Goswami Kaladhugi Veterinary Hospital, Kaladhugi Bhawan, to repair dilapidated building, Tulsi Devi to get possession of her own land, Basant Bihar Chhoti Mukhani people, new pipeline was laid by Jal Sansthan, but till now there is no supply of water. Has been done, he requested to supply water. Village head Dikar Singh village Kakod requested for financial assistance to the farmers in view of the loss of crops in the development block due to unseasonal rains, as well as construction of CC and wall on the motorway from Kanli to Harishtal in Kakod in development block Okhalkanda. Requested to do the work. Most of the problems were resolved on the spot by the District Magistrate. Additional District Magistrate Ashok Joshi, Municipal Commissioner Pankaj Upadhyay, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Bhagirathi Joshi, City Magistrate Richa Singh, Deputy Collector Manish Kumar, Probation Officer Vyoma Jain, Executive Engineer PWD Ashok Chaudhary, Irrigation KS Bisht were present along with the complainant.