J&K Govt Directs Comprehensive Physical Verification of R&B Department Stores

JAMMU, May 21: In a significant move to ensure greater accountability and transparency, the Jammu and Kashmir Public Works (Roads & Buildings) Department has issued orders for the physical verification of all departmental stores operating at the divisional level.

According to an official communiqué, the department has constituted Zonal Level Verification Committees to carry out the task. Each committee will be headed by the Chief Accounts Officer (CAO), with the respective Executive Engineer and Assistant Accounts Officer (AAO) serving as members. These committees have been mandated to conduct a thorough check of the store inventories.

The responsibilities assigned to the committees include the verification of stock registers, assessment of the physical condition of items, and the identification of surplus, obsolete, or unserviceable items. Based on their findings, the committees will be required to submit clear recommendations for appropriate disposal measures. The entire exercise is expected to be completed within one month from the date of issuance of the order.

The verification process will be executed under the direct supervision and guidance of the Chief Engineer concerned and will be strictly governed by the General Financial Rules (GFR). Furthermore, the order underscores that accountability will be determined in cases where losses or discrepancies are found due to negligence, mishandling, or fraudulent practices.

This initiative is part of the department’s ongoing efforts to streamline resource management, eliminate irregularities, and ensure prudent utilization of public assets.