Chief Secretary, UT Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, chaired a comprehensive review meeting on July 28 to assess the budget expenditure and financial performance of various departments for the financial year 2026–27. The meeting focused on improving expenditure efficiency, ensuring timely utilisation of allocated funds, and accelerating the implementation of developmental projects across the Union Territory.

At the outset, Secretary, Finance Department, Tsewang Tharchin, IA&AS, delivered a detailed presentation on the overall budget performance. The presentation covered the breakup of budget estimates under the Demands for Grants for FY 2026–27, budget composition, overall expenditure dashboard, UT and LAHDC-wise allocations, quarterly expenditure trends, up-to-date spending, the Monthly Expenditure Plan (MEP), capital expenditure under Major Head 4575, department-wise allocations and expenditure, utilisation rankings, and object head-wise analysis of spending on motor vehicles, machinery and equipment, ICT equipment, buildings and structures, infrastructure assets, furniture and fixtures, heritage asset upgradation, other fixed assets, and land.

Reviewing the presentation, the Chief Secretary undertook a department-wise assessment of expenditure patterns and utilisation levels. He directed all departments to expedite the implementation of approved projects and improve the pace of expenditure, particularly under capital works, to ensure that developmental objectives are achieved within the stipulated timelines.

Expressing concern over the low utilisation of funds in certain departments and sectors, Kundra instructed the Finance and Planning Departments to closely monitor expenditure and identify departments with unsatisfactory spending. He directed such departments to explain the delays and submit concrete action plans to improve both financial and physical progress.

The Chief Secretary further instructed that funds remaining unutilised for prolonged periods be identified early so they can be reallocated to departments and projects capable of effectively utilising them within the current financial year. He emphasised that optimal utilisation of public funds is essential for achieving development outcomes.

While reviewing sector-wise allocations, he examined expenditure under infrastructure, urban and rural development, education, municipal services, and other key sectors. He stressed the need for continuous monitoring of both revenue and capital expenditure to maintain balanced financial performance throughout the year.

Kundra also reviewed expenditure under various object heads, including procurement of motor vehicles, garbage collection vehicles, ambulances, machinery, ICT equipment, buildings, furniture, and other infrastructure assets. He directed the concerned departments to ensure that procurement and execution are carried out in a timely and transparent manner in accordance with approved plans.

Emphasising uninterrupted execution of development works, the Chief Secretary instructed the Planning Department to issue necessary directions to ensure that contractors continue work during the permissible working season. He observed that, except during periods of severe winter, construction activities should continue wherever practicable to ensure timely completion of projects.

He further directed that future project proposals should comprehensively include all essential components, including furniture, fixtures, and allied infrastructure, wherever required, to facilitate the timely operationalisation of completed assets.

The Chief Secretary also reviewed issues related to land compensation, municipal infrastructure, solid waste management assets, and other ongoing capital projects. He instructed the concerned departments to strengthen planning, improve coordination, and ensure the timely completion of all sanctioned works.

Highlighting the importance of evidence-based financial management, Kundra directed the Finance and Planning Departments to prepare periodic sector-wise analytical snapshots covering major sectors such as education, infrastructure, Special Development Package (SDP) projects, and other capital works. He said these assessments would support better monitoring, informed decision-making, and timely corrective interventions.

Reiterating the importance of financial discipline, the Chief Secretary said that regular expenditure reviews and close inter-departmental coordination are essential for achieving the Union Territory's developmental priorities and ensuring effective utilisation of public resources.

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