The most recent audit of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) concerning the performance of the government calls for the need to appreciate various shortcomings.
From issues of non-utilization of funds by various Departments to non-transparent or irregular expenditures and even unsatisfactory implementation of various welfare schemes of the Government, CAG has pointed out certain glaring discrepancies which need to be addressed.
In fact, there have been many shortcomings pointed out in the administration’s performances and lack of seriousness in the latest report, leading to delay in various projects of immense importance.
As per it, the government should fix responsibility while highlighting lack of timely action for utilization of funds received from the Centre and how it deprived intended beneficiaries.
The J&K’s Education Department has not been able to spend the funds released by the State Project Director Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and in one case Rs.22 crore got blocked. It needs clarification along with various other financial matters and handling thereof as has been pointed out by the CAG. Irregularities whether due to procedural reasons or otherwise need to be addressed. The CAG has also found that the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority in the Forest Ecology and Environment Department has been found faltering in not making satisfactory surveys regarding preparation of Annual Plan of Operation for identifying degraded forests. Non availability of the requisite data meant preparing plans in theory and not in practice as was required. As a result, fate of the forest land measuring 2758 hectares diverted for non-forest uses hangs in balance.
Also the CAG has pointed out that J&K has failed to submit 2,205 utilisation certificates (UCs) for an amount of over Rs 10,441 crore as on March 31, 2020 and has noted that officials should be held accountable for the lapse.
The CAG has also pointed out several deficiencies in the implementation of various programmes and internal-control measures in selected departments in J&K. It said the pendency of a large number of paragraphs indicates a lack of adequate response from the government departments to the audit.
The Executive is answerable to the legislature and to the people for all its decisions. The answerability is enforced through the CAG where it involves finance and accounts. The CAG of India has, not for the first time, pointed out the inadequacies but there seems to be slackness in fixing the responsibility.