CAG points out corruption in Delhi, Kejriwal government calls for CBI probe | Latest News Delhi - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

CAG points out corruption in Delhi, Kejriwal government calls for CBI probe

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By
Apr 04, 2018 10:42 AM IST

Some of the important findings of the CAG, tabled by deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia in the Assembly on Tuesday, included untracked funds amounting to ₹7,270 crore and instances where ration shop owners cornered subsidised grains meant for the poor.

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has flagged a slew of irregularities in the financial administration of the national capital, prompting the Delhi government to say on Tuesday that a federal investigation will be sought in at least 50 instances of government resources being swindled.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal with Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia at a press conference in New Delhi on March 22. Kejriwal said his government was trying to control the ‘ration mafia’ and blamed the Lieutenant Governor for stalling a scheme to start doorstep delivery of subsidised foodgrain.(Sonu Mehta/HT File Photo)
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal with Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia at a press conference in New Delhi on March 22. Kejriwal said his government was trying to control the ‘ration mafia’ and blamed the Lieutenant Governor for stalling a scheme to start doorstep delivery of subsidised foodgrain.(Sonu Mehta/HT File Photo)

Some of the important findings of the CAG, tabled by deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia in the Assembly on Tuesday, included untracked funds amounting to 7,270 crore and instances where ration shop owners cornered subsidised grains meant for the poor.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

“No one will be spared,” said chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, promising “exemplary action”. The government said it would send at least 50 cases pointed out by the CAG to the Union government for an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation.

In addition to financial irregularities, the CAG also highlighted cases of administrative oversight and inaction that resulted in delayed projects and inefficient operations.

According to the report, the government till March 31 last year failed to collect 3,105 utilisation certificates for 7,269.69 crore released in grants. Of the total amount, 64% (amounting to 4,939 crore) was outstanding for two to 10 years.

The auditor found corruption in the government’s public distribution system where it said that 792 ration shop licence-holders were enjoying subsidised foodgrains that could have otherwise been given to the poor. Delhi’s quota of ration card holders has been full and no new beneficiaries are being added.

Read: In the season of bank frauds, NDA govt’s anti-corruption crusade goes into overdrive

Kejriwal said his government was trying to control the “ration mafia” and blamed the Lieutenant Governor for stalling a scheme to start doorstep delivery of subsidised foodgrain. Last month, the L-G returned the file asking the government to re-work the scheme and consider cash transfer of subsidies.

“The entire ration system is in the grip of mafia protected by political masters. Doorstep delivery would have destroyed this mafia,” the CM said. The L-G’s office did not respond to requests for a comment.

Opposition leader Vijender Gupta criticised the government and said it was not serious about its budget estimates and expenditures.“All excess expenditures made by the government are going unaccounted as the Kejriwal government has been unable to hold even a single meeting of the Public Accounts Committee,” he said.

Read: Can’t allow mockery of law: Jaitley after Cabinet clears bill to impound properties in Nirav Modi-type cases

Unveiling 'Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Sweta Goswami writes on politics, urban development, transportation, energy and social welfare. Based in Delhi, she tracks government policies and suggests corrections based on public feedback and on-ground implementation through her reports. She has also covered the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) since its inception.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On