Chandigarh, October 5
Punjab’s Directorate of Treasury and Accounts (DTA) has introduced a series of transformative digital initiatives to modernize financial management, enhance transparency, and improve efficiency across government departments. These reforms, covering accounting, auditing, fund management, and citizen services, mark a significant leap toward fully digital governance in Punjab, announced Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Cheema in a press release.
Key Digital Initiatives
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SNA-SPARSH Fund Flow Mechanism:
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Punjab successfully implemented the SNA-SPARSH system, integrating the Public Financial Management System (PFMS), state Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS), and RBI’s E-kuber platform.
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This mechanism secured an incentive of ₹450 crore in FY 2024-25 by improving cash liquidity and reducing unutilized funds in bank accounts.
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A dedicated SNA-SPARSH treasury has been established, with Punjab now aiming for a ₹350 crore incentive under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) 2025-26
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Pensioner Sewa Portal (PSP):
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Developed in collaboration with the Punjab Development Commission (PDC), the PSP creates a centralized pensioner database and enables online pension case processing.
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Features include e-PPO transfers from treasury to banks, real-time pension tracking, grievance handling, life certificate integration, and online updation requests for pensioners.
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Audit Management System (AMS):
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The AMS provides real-time access to audit reports, enhancing oversight and accountability.
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Regular review meetings at the Administrative Secretary level ensure timely resolution of audit issues, with plans to incorporate Accountant General (AG) audit reports in the future.
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Non-Treasury Module:
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Developed with the AG office, this system streamlines accounting for deposit works by the Forest and Works Departments.
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It automates monthly account submissions for all divisions, improving efficiency.
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E-Vouchers for Bills:
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Punjab has adopted e-vouchers for all bills, reducing costs for stationery, travel, and physical voucher handling.
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Necessary hardware for e-voucher storage has been installed at the AG Punjab premises.
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Finance Minister’s Remarks
FM Cheema hailed these initiatives, stating, “From automating departmental accounts and optimizing central fund flows through SNA-SPARSH to digitizing audits and pension processes, these reforms deliver substantial savings, enhance accountability, and improve service delivery for employees and citizens.” He added, “We are not just upgrading software; we are revolutionizing Punjab’s financial architecture to ensure every rupee is accounted for and utilized effectively.”
Impact and Vision
These reforms underscore Punjab’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and citizen-centric governance. By leveraging technologies like SNA-SPARSH, PSP, and AMS, the state is setting a benchmark for digital financial management, ensuring better resource utilization and enhanced public services.
