Process Launched to Secure Funding for Completion of Multiple SASCI Projects
SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today chaired a high-level meeting to review departmental performance on budget utilization and revenue realization in Jammu & Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Finance Santosh D. Vaidya, Administrative Secretaries of all departments, Directors General of Resources, Accounts & Treasuries, Budget, and other senior officials.
During the review, the Chief Secretary examined the status of revenue and capital expenditure across departments. He emphasized the importance of boosting capital spending while rationalizing avoidable revenue expenditure to strengthen the UT’s fiscal health. Highlighting the role of capital expenditure in infrastructure development, he noted its direct contribution to long-term economic growth and livelihood opportunities.
He underscored strict adherence to timelines for Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), emphasizing flagship programmes such as Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, PMGSY, NABARD, and other key initiatives. Regarding the newly launched Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) initiative, the Chief Secretary instructed departments to expedite Administrative Approvals and Technical Sanctions for all new works. He set a target for at least 75% completion of ongoing projects by December 2025 and called for the timely clearance of remaining mother sanctions to enable the execution of projects under GoI’s SASCI scheme, which offers 50-year interest-free loans for capital expenditure projects.
Departments were also directed to enhance revenue mobilization. The Power Development Department (PDD) was asked to improve billing efficiency, while the State Taxes Department was urged to address GST leakages. The Chief Secretary stressed leveraging technology to detect tax evasion and taking stringent action against defaulters.
Principal Secretary Finance Santosh D. Vaidya presented detailed expenditure figures, reporting that out of Rs 79,703 Cr budgeted for revenue expenditure, Rs 52,085 Cr has been released, with Rs 33,247 Cr spent so far. On the capital side, Rs 7,435 Cr has been released against a budget of Rs 18,451 Cr, with Rs 757 Cr utilized to date. Expenditure under CSS capital projects stands at Rs 1,038 Cr, and Rs 2,534 Cr has been spent on repayment obligations. Notably, while the power purchase bill increased by 20%, corresponding revenue grew only 10%, highlighting the need for corrective measures.
Revenue collections till August 2025 include: GST Rs 3,408.14 Cr, Stamp Duty Rs 287 Cr, Motor Spirit Tax Rs 708.67 Cr, Excise Rs 861 Cr, Transport Rs 370 Cr, Mining Rs 49.52 Cr, Water Supply Rs 31.19 Cr, and Water Usage Charges Rs 380 Cr, totaling Rs 2,765 Cr in non-tax revenue.
Under SASCI Part I, 162 ongoing projects worth Rs 12,393.6 Cr are being implemented, with Rs 2,235.3 Cr already spent and Rs 1,191.4 Cr sought through loans. The Power Development Department leads with 19 projects worth Rs 10,052.1 Cr, followed by Jal Shakti (36 projects, Rs 311.1 Cr), Housing & Urban Development, and Public Works Departments. Additionally, 60 new projects totaling Rs 309.15 Cr are being launched, with loans of Rs 189.52 Cr requested. The Health & Medical Education Department is leading these new initiatives with 16 projects worth Rs 82.31 Cr, alongside Tourism, Youth Services, Sports, and Skill Development Departments.
The Chief Secretary urged departments to intensify efforts to maximize revenue realization while maintaining fiscal discipline, stressing that enhanced capital expenditure coupled with efficient revenue collection will be critical to sustaining the UT’s developmental momentum and fiscal stability.
