The CAG report tabled by Delhi’s deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia in the Assembly pointed out corruption in Delhi. The report included untracked funds of Rs. 7,270 crore and instances where ration shop owners allegedly cornered subsidised grains meant for the poor. The Delhi government has now sought a CBI probe in at least 50 instances where public funds are allegedly swindled off.
According to the CAG report, the Delhi government is sitting on Swachh Bharat funds amounting to Rs. 40 crore and no toilets are built in last two and a half years. There are about 3.5 lakh households in Delhi of which about 10.5% households do not have any toilet facility. The CAG report says that not a single toilet has been built by Delhi government since the inception of Swachh Bharat mission on 2nd October, 2014.
The report also points out the lax attitude of Rural Develpoment department of Delhi government regarding land lease allotment to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi resulted in non-recovery of around 67 crore. The compliance audit further mentioned that 88 units of the department of trade and taxes, state excise, transport and revenue conducted during the year 2016-17 revealed under-assessment, short levy, loss of revenue and other irregularities involving Rs 416 crore in 650 cases.
Over and above the financial irregularities, the CAG report also highlighted cases of administrative oversight and inaction that resulted in delayed projects and inefficient operations. As per the report, the government till 31st March last year failed to collect 3,105 utilisation certificates for Rs 7,269.69 crore released in grants, of which about 46% (Rs. 4,939 crore) were outstanding for two to 10 years. The report also said that 792 ration shop licence holders were enjoying the subsidised foodgrains that could otherwise have been given to the poor. Delhi’s quota of ration card holders has been full and no new beneficiaries are being added.
Meanwhile, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal has blamed the LG for stalling the doorstep delivery of subsidised foodgrains scheme which could have help Delhi government fight the ‘ration mafia’. However, the government has sought CBI probe and promised strict action if anyone, including minister, is found guilty.
