CAG finds loopholes in Cyberage scheme

Panaji, Jul 13: Pointing out several lapses in the implementation of the popular Cyberage Scheme during the erstwhile BJP-led government headed by Manohar Parrikar, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) sought re-evaluation and fine-tuning of the scheme on the basis of its observations and feedback at the earliest.

CAG, in its report for the year 2004-2005, observed that the government decision to supply computers to all the students without restricting it to one to each family had resulted in an avoidable expenditure of Rs 20.09 lakh.

Interacting with mediapersons last evening, the Accountant General of Goa Sangita Choure said modems were provided with 25,780 computers at the cost of Rs 1.28 crore that remained idle as internet connectivity was not ensured.

The education department, which implemented the scheme, failed to provide a suitable clause in the supply order/agreement for levy of duty and taxes, prevailing at the time of delivery, which resulted in non-usage of benefit of Rs 34.28 lakh due to reduction in duties.

Besides, the department has failed to monitor the complaints from several students.

The director of education placed (November 2003) an order with GEL, for supply of 10,000 computers through the identified suppliers, to the students of the XI standard at the rate of Rs 18,900, inclusive of all taxes and delivery charges. An agreement was entered into with GEL in January 2004 for this supply. The supply order agreement did not provide a clause for restricting the payment of statutory duties and taxes to the actual paid.

UNI