CS Ladakh cracks whip on Budget spend, Project delays

Kundra directs Finance and Planning Departments to identify spending delays and fast-track implementation.

LEH: Expressing concern over slow expenditure in several departments, Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra on Tuesday directed the Finance and Planning Departments to closely monitor budget utilisation, identify under-performing departments and ensure the timely execution of development projects to improve governance and public service delivery across the Union Territory.

Chairing a comprehensive review of budget expenditure and financial performance for FY 2026–27, the Chief Secretary instructed departments to accelerate capital spending, maintain financial discipline and complete sanctioned projects within stipulated timelines. He also ordered that unutilised funds be identified early and reallocated to departments capable of effectively utilising them during the current financial year.

At the outset, Secretary, Finance, Tsewang Tharchin, IA&AS, presented a detailed overview of the Union Territory’s financial performance, covering budget estimates under various Demands for Grants, State and LAHDC-wise allocations, quarterly expenditure trends, Monthly Expenditure Plans (MEPs), capital expenditure under Major Head 4575, department-wise allocations, utilisation rankings and expenditure across different object heads.

The presentation also analysed spending on infrastructure assets, buildings, machinery, ICT equipment, motor vehicles, ambulances, garbage collection vehicles, furniture, heritage asset upgradation, land acquisition and other capital investments.

Reviewing the department-wise expenditure trends, the Chief Secretary observed that delays in fund utilisation could adversely affect developmental outcomes. He directed the Finance and Planning Departments to identify departments where expenditure remained below expected levels, seek explanations for delays and obtain time-bound action plans to improve both financial and physical progress.

He further instructed that funds lying idle for prolonged periods should be reallocated to departments and projects capable of utilising them efficiently, emphasising that optimal use of public resources remains essential for achieving the Union Territory’s developmental priorities.

The Chief Secretary also reviewed allocations and expenditure across infrastructure, urban development, rural development, education, municipal services and other priority sectors. Stressing the need for sustained financial monitoring, he called for regular reviews of both revenue and capital expenditure throughout the financial year.

Reviewing procurement under various object heads, he directed departments to ensure transparent and timely procurement of motor vehicles, ambulances, machinery, ICT equipment, buildings, furniture and other infrastructure assets in accordance with approved plans.

To prevent delays in project implementation, Ashish Kundra instructed the Planning Department to issue necessary directions ensuring that contractors continue work during the permissible construction season. He observed that, except during periods of severe winter, developmental works should proceed uninterrupted so that projects are completed within scheduled timelines.

He also directed departments to ensure that future project proposals comprehensively include essential components such as furniture, fixtures and allied infrastructure to facilitate the immediate operationalisation of completed assets.

The meeting also reviewed issues relating to land compensation, municipal infrastructure, solid waste management assets and other ongoing capital projects. The Chief Secretary instructed departments to strengthen planning, improve inter-departmental coordination and expedite the execution of sanctioned works.

Calling for greater use of data-driven financial management, he directed the Finance and Planning Departments to prepare periodic sector-wise analytical snapshots covering education, infrastructure, Special Development Package (SDP) projects and other capital works to support informed policy decisions and timely corrective interventions.

Reiterating the importance of fiscal discipline, the Chief Secretary said regular expenditure reviews, effective coordination and efficient utilisation of public funds were critical to achieving Ladakh’s development objectives and ensuring timely delivery of public infrastructure and services.

The meeting was attended by Secretary, Planning, Himanshu Gupta, Secretary, Finance, Tsewang Tharchin, IA&AS, Joint Directors of the Finance and Planning Departments and other senior officers.