Srinagar, Jan 2 (JKNS): In a significant administrative reform aimed at accelerating project approvals and strengthening governance in Union Territories without legislative assemblies, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has delegated enhanced financial powers to the Lieutenant Governors and Administrators, authorising them to appraise and approve development projects costing up to ₹100 crore under the Delegation of Financial Powers Rules (DFPRs), 2024.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has delegated financial powers to the Administrators and Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories without legislatures, allowing them to appraise and approve projects costing up to ₹100 crore under the Delegation of Financial Powers Rules (DFPRs), 2024.
According to an official communication issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (UT Division) as per news agency JKNS, the delegation applies to the Union Territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Ladakh and Lakshadweep.
The order states that the delegated powers will be exercised by the Administrators or LGs in consultation with the Secretary (Finance) or Financial Advisor of the respective Union Territory, and only where adequate budgetary provision is available. It further clarifies that these powers cannot be re-delegated.
The Ministry has directed that details of all proposals approved under the delegated powers must be furnished to the Department of Expenditure through the MHA on a quarterly basis, by the end of July, October, January and April each year.
The communication also notes that the powers of Administrators and LGs to sanction expenditure on schemes from in-principle approval to final approval will continue under Rule 16 of DFPRs, 2024, but only after appraisal and approval by the competent authorities in line with existing guidelines of the Ministry of Finance.
The order supersedes an earlier delegation issued on September 19, 2025, and has been approved by the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance.
The move is aimed at expediting decision-making and strengthening administrative efficiency in Union Territories without legislative assemblies. (JKNS)
