CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General): Logically conclude misappropriation cases

 Government yet to lodge FIRs in 317 cases of fund misappropriation

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The State Government has not yet lodged FIRs (First Information Reports) in 317 cases of theft, misappropriation of funds, loss of materials etc., involving Rs 136.35 crore. Such cases also include cases as old as five to above 25 years.

The report of the CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) of India (State Finance Audit) for the year ended on March 31, 2022 revealed this. The CAG recommended the Assam Government to consider putting in place an effective mechanism to ensure monitoring and speedy settlement of cases relating to theft, misappropriation of funds, and losses in their own financial interest.

The CAG audit report observes that there were 339 cases of theft, misappropriation, and losses involving government money amounting to Rs 142.99 crore (up to March 2022) on which final action was pending. Of the 339 cases above, FIRs in respect of only 22 cases involving Rs 6.63 crore were lodged where the investigation was in process. The government may take necessary action in all the remaining cases (317) and logically conclude the misappropriation cases.

According to the CAG report, 35 departments with final action against such pending cases include PWD with the involvement of Rs 29.19 crore, Higher Education with Rs 12 crore, Industries and Commerce with Rs 11.94 crore, Health and Family Welfare with Rs 12.73 crore, GAD (DCs) with Rs 21.11 crore, Elementary Education with Rs 7.27 crore, Cooperation with Rs 5.7 crore, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary with Rs 4.74 crore, Agriculture with Rs 3.77 crore, Social Welfare with Rs 3.92 crore, etc.

Also Read: CAG: Institute rigorous utilization certificates monitoring mechanisms

Also Watch: