CAG criticises Tripura govt on funds mishandling

Agartala, Mar 23 (UNI) The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report 2007 has criticised the Tripura government on mishandling of funds sanctioned by the Centre.

The report has stated that the government has failed to utilise Rs 1.68 crore for development of poultry and other types of cattle breeding and farming.

It mentioned that the government had failed to utilise the money sanctioned for the animal resource department in 2003, adding that the state had sought an extension of time for utilisation of the same but failed to do so.

Besides, the state government had earlier lost an interest of Rs 8.24 lakh from banks due to lack of vigilance of treasury department. The CAG report further stated that violation of financial rules and administrative inaction has led to non-realisation of Rs 10.28 lakh of composite fee.

Of the 2622 utilisation certificates (Ucs) due in respect of grants and loans aggregating to Rs 185.78 crore paid up to 2006-07, about 195 Ucs for Rs 51.16 crore were in arrear till August 2007, the report added.

It also said the interest payments in 2006-07 increased by 4.74 per cent to Rs 388.17 crore, mainly due to internal debt of Rs 233.58 crore and interest on state provident funds of Rs 103.79 crore, but the overall percentage of interest payment with reference to revenue receipt decreased to 11.65 per cent due to the impact of Debt Swap Scheme implementation, the CAG revealed.

However, the state's fiscal liabilities had increased from Rs 3127 crore in 2002-03 to Rs 4626 crore in 2006-07, the annual growth rate ranging from 4.64 to 17.31 per cent due to increase in internal debt by Rs 151.08 crore.

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