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| J&K’s annual pension bill grows from Rs 46 Cr to Rs 1200 17 years | | New pension system by Jan 2010 | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Sept 27: Nothing grows like the non-plan expenditure in Jammu and Kashmir. The state’s pension bill is a case in point which is a cause of concern for the government which is now mulling drastic reforms.
In 1992, Jammu and Kashmir’s annual pension bill was Rs 46 Crore which is now touching Rs 1200 Crore in the current fiscal. . It speaks volumes how much burden has increased on the ex-chequer on account of payment of pension and more importantly it has gradually become unsustainable. It is a major reform step which though late was inevitable.
To fix the problems and settle down some issues of excess pension payment, the Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather today chaired a high level meeting in Srinagar which deliberated, among other things, on implementing the New Pension System (NPS) in the State, which is proposed to be introduced by January 2010. He asked the officers to work out pro’s and con’s of the scheme and come up with the necessary suggestions as there is ample time left for formally implementing the Scheme in the state. The Minister said that although there is resource constraint presently but the new system would have multiple benefits both for the state as well as employees. He said introducing the system in state is a historical step though it should have been implemented in the year 2004 when it was introduced at the National Level.
Rather said that Periodic reviews of the Department will further streamline the working of the Department. He said that the Treasuries are the face of the Government and the officers have to discharge their duties seriously as honesty and integrity of public servant cannot be compromised, he added.
Rather, however, said that inherent difficulties could be addressed if concerted efforts are made to rectify the system. He said senior officers should function as experts and watchdogs to train the officials at lower level besides there should be a prompt action on complaints so that the erring officers/officials are booked and punished as per law.
The Finance Minister directed all officers for maintaining receipt registers and entering liabilities that could be cleared by first come and first serve basis.
Taking cognizance of non-compliance of orders, Rather said that an officer does not deserve to be a public servant who ignores the advice and directions of his seniors. He said that he will not hesitate to remove any officer from service if it is proved that he has committed any wrong.
Speaking on the occasion Commissioner-Secretary, Finance Sudhanshu Panday urged upon the officers to further better their performance. He said that on the directions of Finance Minister he recently visited Hyderabad to study the New Pension System which has been implemented by the Government of Andhra Pradesh. He said that he was impressed to know how better the computerized pension system is in place in that State.
The meeting was attended, among others, by Director Accounts & Treasuries, M.I.Kanday, Deputy Accountant General, Joint Director Accounts and Treasuries, Kashmir and Joint Director Funds, Kashmir besides all districts treasury and sub-treasury officers of Kashmir Division.
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