What Did Delhi Speaker Refer to PAC Regarding CAG Reports?
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Synopsis
Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta has taken a decisive step by referring CAG reports to the PAC. This move aims to ensure accountability regarding unspent funds, irregularities in worker registrations, and overall financial management during the AAP government era. The PAC's findings will be crucial for future governance.
Key Takeaways
- Delhi Assembly Speaker referred CAG reports to PAC.
- Rs 15,327 crore remained unspent in 2023-2024.
- Concerns raised over irregular worker registrations.
- Fiscal deficit increased significantly over recent years.
- Importance of accountability and transparency in governance.
New Delhi, Aug 8 (NationPress) In a significant move, Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta has referred four reports from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for thorough examination.
Gupta emphasized that the PAC is expected to submit its findings regarding the CAG’s observations by the upcoming Legislative Assembly session.
He instructed the Assembly Secretariat to promptly deliver these reports to the relevant departments, ensuring that they provide action-taken notes to the PAC.
The four CAG reports were presented in the House on August 4.
One report concerning the Appropriation Accounts highlighted that during the 2023–2024 fiscal year, a staggering Rs 15,327 crore remained unutilized, with Rs 8,376.40 crore lapsing due to delays in surrender. Gupta pointed out that these funds could have been allocated to vital developmental projects.
According to the Finance Accounts for 2023-2024, the CAG noted that various government departments neglected to submit Abstract Contingent Bills, leading to Rs 346.82 crore staying outstanding.
This raises concerns about whether the funds were indeed spent following the Legislative Assembly's authorization. The previous year's outstanding amount was Rs 574.89 crore. Additionally, the CAG raised alarms regarding the lack of utilization certificates for Rs 3,760.84 crore as of March 31, 2024.
A review of the State Finances report for 2023–2024 indicated a drop in revenue surplus from Rs 14,457 crore in the previous year to Rs 6,462 crore this year. Gupta noted that without the Government of India's support for Rs 11,123 crore towards pension liabilities and expenditures for the Delhi Police, the surplus would have transformed into a revenue deficit.
From 2019–2020 to 2023–2024, capital expenditures have consistently underperformed compared to the capital budget. The fiscal deficit has surged from Rs 416 crore in 2019–2020 to Rs 3,934 crore in 2023–2024, Gupta remarked.
The CAG’s report on the Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board also highlights serious discrepancies. The previous Delhi Government lacked reliable data concerning the number of registered workers, Gupta stated.
Out of 6.96 lakh registered workers, only 1.98 lakh were documented in the department's database. The registration process exhibited multiple deficiencies, including duplicate images and excessive registrations. Shockingly, 1.19 lakh beneficiaries were associated with 2.38 lakh images, Gupta added.
Only 7.3 percent of registrations were renewed, compared to a national average of 74 percent. A discrepancy of Rs 204.95 crore existed between cess collection records and those maintained by the districts and the Board.
Furthermore, the Board managed to disburse merely around 9.53 percent to 11 percent of the total cess collected as benefits, with no initiatives taken for worker welfare and a lack of social audits conducted by the department.
“As per the Rules of Procedure, the Public Accounts Committee will scrutinize these reports comprehensively,” concluded the Speaker.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize the significance of accountability in governance. The PAC's examination of these reports could uncover critical insights into the financial practices of the past government. As we navigate through these findings, a commitment to transparency and responsible fiscal management must be upheld for the benefit of all citizens.
NationPress
30/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the CAG reports referred to PAC?
The CAG reports detail unspent funds, irregularities in worker registrations, and fiscal discrepancies during the AAP government's tenure.
What is the significance of the PAC's examination?
The PAC's examination is crucial for ensuring accountability and transparency in financial management, which impacts future governance.
What were the findings regarding unspent funds?
The findings indicate that Rs 15,327 crore remained unspent in the 2023-2024 fiscal year, with a significant portion lapsing due to delays.
How many workers were registered in the Construction Workers’ Welfare Board?
Out of 6.96 lakh registered workers, only 1.98 lakh were documented in the department's database, indicating serious irregularities.
What is the expected timeline for the PAC's report?
The PAC is expected to present its report on the CAG’s findings by the next session of the Legislative Assembly.
