CAG digs out 550 crore 'fault' in Delhi govt, says 'system' to blame

New Delhi, Apr 20 (UNI) Attacking the slack 'system' which was basically responsible for weeding out the discrepancies, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India 2005-06 report on various departments of the Delhi Government today 'exposed' financial and revenue 'concerns' of nearly 550 crore.

Pointing to the 'financial implication' of 370 crore and another 'revenue implication' of 177.85 crore in its audit observations, Auditor General (Audit) R K Ghosh told mediapersons that it was the 'structure' -- comprising of the Legislature, the Public Accounts Committee and Courts -- on whom depended the 'action' part of its reports.

''The prime factor was how to strengthen accountability. If that was done it would lead to better governance. Better planning and streamlining of implementation to minimise waste was important to bring about the difference required.'' Its not that the 'structure' was not doing its bit, but just that the entire system had to be made accountable for things to improve, he said, while adding, that ''Generally speaking it has been found that money or funds were not a problem it was the implementation that remained the 'area of concern' and where the real effort needs to be put.'' Infact, several time funds lied unutilised to the tune of upto 90 per cent, he said.

On the several 'shortcomings' his 2005-06 report 'exposed', Mr Ghosh said while in the mid-day meal scheme lack of hygiene, quality of grains, unchecked kitchens, in hospitals it was shortage of staff, equipment lying unused, lack of life-support drugs and in the case of DISCOMS funds were paid against the guidelines.

The three volume report contains 'observations' on finance accounts and appropriation accounts of NCT of Delhi, appraisal of operational performance of DTC and audit comments on financial transactions and development activities, four major public hospitals, educational development of SC/STs, implementation of mid-day meal scheme and revenue receipts.

UNI