CAG reviews unveil misuse of public funds, calling for enhanced accountability and oversight
The 2023 CAG report ignited requires higher monetary prudence and governmental transparency.
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The Comptroller and Auditor Normal of India (CAG) has just lately dropped at mild situations of misallocation and misuse of public funds in three important initiatives. These audits make clear monetary discrepancies and name for elevated transparency and accountability in public governance.
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Within the first occasion, the CAG highlighted issues surrounding the Dwarka Expressway mission’s building value. Initially accepted at Rs 18.20 crore per kilometre, the mission’s value skyrocketed to an astonishing Rs 250.77 crore per kilometre. The absence of an in depth mission report and questionable selections, comparable to setting up an eight-lane elevated principal carriageway and a six-lane at-grade street, raised alarms about monetary prudence. Toll charges, tolling mechanisms, and competing infrastructure initiatives, such because the Speedy Rail Transit System Shahjahanpur-Neemrana-Behror (RRTS SNB) had been additionally flagged as issues. The CAG report has ignited discussions concerning the necessity for clear governance in large-scale infrastructure initiatives. The Ministry of Highway Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is but to supply a complete response to the report’s findings.
Within the second occasion, the CAG report delved into the diversion of funds from the Nationwide Social Help Programme (NSAP) by the Ministry of Rural Improvement (MoRD). Over the interval of 2017-2021, roughly Rs 2.83 crore meant for NSAP actions, together with outdated age pension schemes, had been redirected to advertise different authorities schemes.
Additional monetary misallocations in six States amounting to Rs 57.45 crore had been additionally revealed. These diversions hindered awareness-raising actions, impacting the advantages for beneficiaries. The CAG’s report underscores the need of adhering to meant fund allocation and prioritising the targets of welfare schemes.
Within the third state of affairs, the CAG uncovered irregularities within the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat—Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) medical insurance scheme. A complete of Rs 6.97 crore was disbursed for the therapy of three,446 sufferers who had been recorded as deceased within the scheme’s database. The audit uncovered weaknesses within the system’s utility and management measures, regardless of claims of checks being in place. The report emphasises the urgency of enhancing oversight to forestall monetary irregularities and make sure the scheme’s effectiveness in offering healthcare protection to India’s weak populations.
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These reviews collectively spotlight the important want for accountable governance, adherence to monetary tips, and the implementation of strong oversight mechanisms to safeguard public funds and make sure the efficient execution of assorted authorities initiatives.
