By Tehelka Web Desk The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced austerity measures for the financial year 2026-27 to curb non-essential expenditure and enforce fiscal discipline across departments. According to an order issued by the Finance Department, departments have been directed to rationalise spending with immediate effect.
The government has restricted conferences, seminars, official travel, purchase of vehicles and hospitality-related expenses. Official meetings and conferences in private hotels and commercial venues have also been banned, with departments asked to use government buildings instead. The order states that international travel by officials will require specific approval from the Finance Department, while all domestic air travel must be in economy class.
The government has also imposed a complete ban on official dinners, lunches and receptions except those hosted by the Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Minister. Departments have been directed to adopt a “digital-first” approach by increasing the use of virtual meetings and e-Office systems to reduce expenditure and paper consumption. The order further said that no new posts will be created during the current fiscal year and administrative secretaries and financial advisors will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the austerity measures.