The Delhi BJP government has implemented controls on expenditures across all departments. Henceforth, all expenses exceeding ₹1 crore will require prior approval from the Finance Department, although essential services are exempt.
Delhi News: The newly formed BJP government in Delhi continues to implement stringent measures. Under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's leadership, the government has taken another significant step, mandating that all government departments obtain permission from the state's Finance Department before incurring any expenditure exceeding ₹1 crore. The Finance Department issued an internal order in this regard following the formation of the new government.
Emphasis on Improved Cash Management
The Finance Department's order states that this measure has been taken considering the current resource situation and to control cash flow. The order clarifies that all government departments intending to spend more than ₹1 crore must obtain prior approval from the Finance Department.
Exemptions for these ExpendituresHowever, certain essential services are exempted from this order. These expenses include:
Salaries and allowances (including arrears)
Medical reimbursements
Security and sanitation
Electricity and water supply
Telephone and postal charges
Staff car maintenance
Other minor expenses and necessary expenditure for day-to-day administrative functions
No Impact on Pensions and Allowances
The order, issued by the Budget Division of the Finance Department, also clarifies that prior permission will not be required for pension payments to senior citizens and widows, unemployment benefits to differently-abled persons, and assistance to bereaved families under the family benefit scheme. This order will also not apply to the payment of council bills.
How to Obtain Approval from the Finance Department?
Instead of submitting the entire file of their expenditure plans, government departments will now have to send a letter to the Finance Department detailing the nature of the expenditure and the estimated amount. The Finance Department will only verify whether sufficient resources are available to meet the expenditure.
Rekha Gupta's Attack on AAP
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta attacked the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), calling it a party that resorts to protests and demonstrations. She described the AAP-led protests regarding the suspension of opposition MLAs as a tactic to accuse the government of "autocracy." She also announced that the government will soon implement a ₹2,500 women's assistance scheme.
