The Finance Department, UT Ladakh, organised a week-long training-cum-orientation programme for newly appointed Accounts Assistants at the Conference Hall, Baroo, commencing on September 21. The programme is being held simultaneously in Kargil and Leh for the newly appointed Accounts Assistants.

Various aspects of government accounting and finance are being explained to the Accounts Assistants by senior officers of the Finance Department, including Joint Directors, Chief Accounts Officers and Accounts Officers, during the week-long orientation programme.

Joint Director Finance Iftikhar Hussain, in his address, welcomed the newly appointed Accounts Assistants and extended his best wishes to all the selected candidates. He highlighted the crucial role played by the Finance Department in the overall functioning of the Administration.

He said that any delay in financial processes can impact the functioning of the entire system, making efficiency, accuracy and timely disposal of financial matters essential.

He emphasised that the Finance Department plays a central role in ensuring sound financial management and accountability in government offices. He called upon the newly appointed Accounts Assistants to discharge their duties with integrity, dedication, professionalism and hard work, while adhering to the prescribed financial rules and procedures. He also congratulated all the newly selected Accounts Assistants and wished them success in their professional careers.

Sajad Hussain, Chief Accounts Officer, Kargil, welcomed the newly appointed Accounts Assistants and briefed them about their responsibilities and the importance of their role in government functioning. He expressed hope that the training-cum-orientation programme would be helpful to the new employees before they assume their official responsibilities in their respective offices.

Following the inaugural session, Mohd. Ibrahim, Accounts Officer, conducted a detailed presentation for the newly appointed Accounts Assistants in four sessions held during the day. The sessions focused on the fundamentals of government accounting, budgeting and day-to-day financial procedures.

The major topics covered during the training included the foundations of government accounting, including the structure and principles of the government cash-based accounting system, Revenue Account and Capital Account, Charged and Voted Expenditure, and the six-tier classification of government accounts.

The participants were also briefed about the Consolidated Fund of India, Contingency Fund of India and Public Account of India, along with their significance in government financial management.

Under the budget process, the presentation covered the budget cycle, including Budget Estimates and Revised Estimates, Demands for Grants and the Appropriation Act, Re-appropriation, Supplementary Grants and Surrender of Savings. The participants were also familiarised with Finance Accounts and Appropriation Accounts.

The session further focused on accounting and budgeting in practice, covering budgetary control in day-to-day official work, including sanctioned budget, expenditure sanction, bill preparation, payment procedures and the appropriate accounting head. Basic Exchequer Control under the General Financial Rules (GFR), 2017, was also explained.

The training also covered various types of government bills, including Pay Bills, Travelling Allowance (TA) Bills, Leave Travel Concession (LTC) Bills, Medical Reimbursement Bills, Contingent Bills and GPF/NPS Bills.

The orientation programme aims to equip the newly appointed Accounts Assistants with the necessary knowledge and practical understanding of government accounting, budgeting, financial rules and procedures, enabling them to efficiently discharge their responsibilities in their respective offices.