Srinagar, Oct 23 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir is preparing to introduce a budgeting framework that will link government spending with measurable development targets, requiring departments to identify how their schemes and financial allocations contribute to education, health, poverty reduction and other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The proposed system, expected to be adopted in the forthcoming financial year, will allow authorities to track not only how much money departments spend but also how their expenditure relates to specific development priorities and outcomes.

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Friday reviewed preparations for introducing the framework and directed departments to complete the necessary formalities ahead of the next budget exercise.

Under the proposed arrangement, departments will be required to map their existing and new schemes against relevant SDG targets and identify the financial allocations associated with them.

The Higher Education Department has been selected to pilot the exercise during the Revised Estimates for 2026-27. The experience gained from the pilot will be used to address implementation challenges before extending the framework to other departments.

Officials said a High-Level SDG Steering Committee will oversee the exercise, while the Finance and Planning Departments will coordinate the reconciliation of departmental budget frameworks.

A dedicated SDG Cell will assist departments in linking their schemes with development indicators.

The government is also working to integrate an SDG Monitoring Dashboard with the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) and the Budget Estimation, Allocation and Monitoring System (BEAMS).Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The proposed integration is intended to enable automated tracking of budget allocations and expenditure alongside physical achievements and socio-economic indicators.

During the meeting, Dulloo stressed the need to complete the technical integration and ensure that departments understand the methodology before the next financial year.

The initiative is being implemented by the Planning, Development and Monitoring Department in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Secretary Planning Owais Ahmad said SDG goals, targets and indicators aligned with the National Indicator Framework had been shared with administrative departments and district administrations.

He said the first phase of training for master trainers had been completed, while regional-level sessions would be organised for departmental heads and district officers.

The proposed framework will cover budget preparation, approval, execution, accounting and oversight, allowing expenditure to be examined against identified development targets throughout the budget cycle.

Officials said the exercise is intended to strengthen financial accountability and help identify sectors where additional interventions may be required.

However, the system remains at the preparatory stage, with its wider implementation dependent on the outcome of the pilot exercise and completion of technical arrangements. (KNS)