The Ministry of Finance has initiated preparations for the federal budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, with a strong emphasis on streamlining government expenditures and optimizing resource allocation.

According to official documents, the Finance Division has issued directives to all ministries and divisions to identify and abolish vacant or redundant posts that have remained unfilled for more than three years. This move is in line with the Financial Management & Powers of PAOS Regulations, 2021, aimed at improving fiscal discipline.

The Finance Division has outlined several measures to ensure compliance with its cost-cutting objectives:

1. Abolishment of Vacant Posts: All ministries and divisions are required to report and abolish posts that have been lying vacant or idle for over three years.
2. Submission of Budget Forms: No Budget Order (BO) or New Item Statement (NIS) form will be accepted if Expenditure on Regular Establishment (ERE) is claimed without providing detailed information about the posts. The total number of posts reflected in Form-X must match those in the BO/NIS forms.
3. Approval for New Posts: The creation of new posts in any division, department, or subordinate office will require prior approval from the Finance Division.

Additionally, Form-X, which provides details of posts, must be endorsed by the Expenditure Wing of the Finance Division. All divisions, departments, and subordinate offices are required to submit copies of sanction letters along with the approval of the relevant authority.

The Finance Ministry has set strict deadlines for the submission of data. All ministries, divisions, and departments must provide comprehensive details of approved, filled, and vacant posts by February 6, 2025. The data must reflect the status of approved posts as of January 31, 2025.

This initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to enhance fiscal management and ensure that public resources are utilized efficiently. By identifying and eliminating redundant posts, the Finance Ministry aims to reduce unnecessary expenditures and allocate funds more effectively in the upcoming federal budget.