CAG raps Delhi govt for discrepancies;not obtaining fund proof

Government auditor CAG today pointed out discrepancies in implementation of social welfare schemes including mid-day meal (MDM) and pulled up the Delhi government for its failure to obtain fund utilisation certificates from various institutions.
The auditor also criticised the performance of the Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation, saying that it has failed to formulate a perspective plan for tourism promotion in the city despite 39 years of its formation.
The report pointed out under assessment and short levy of revenue to the tune of Rs 905.66 crore in 2001 cases during 2013-14.
"There were delays in obtaining utilisation certificates (UCs) from various grantee institutions for the grants released to them. Out of a total of 5,235 grants amounting to Rs 26,434.30 crore given till March 2013, 4,784 UCs amounting to Rs 19,064.02 crore were awaited from various departments at the end of March 2014.

"Out of 4,784 outstanding UCs, 2,267 UCs (47.39 per cent) amounting to Rs 5,651.17 crore were due for more than 10 years," the Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG) said in its report.
Assessing the MDM scheme, it said mid-day meals were not served for the prescribed number of days in both primary and upper primary schools.

"Also, out of 2,102 samples of cooked meals, a total of 1,876 samples (89 per cent) failed tests for nutritive value during 2010-14."
Service providers did not obtain mandatory license from the Food Safety Department and were running their kitchens without 'NOCs' from civic agencies and fire agency, it added.

Further, it said out of 18,000 children studying in Education Guarantee Scheme and Alternative and Innovative Education centres supported under SarvaShikshaAbhiyan, only 1,154 children were covered during the period 2013-14.
"The enrolment, attendance and retention of children in schools could not be enhanced," said the auditor report.
In selected primary schools, the average attendance decreased from 74 per cent in 2009-10 to 66 per cent in 2013-14, it added further.
Referring to Working of Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation, the report said it did not formulate a perspective plan for tourism promotion in the city despite 39 years of its formation (1975).

Tourist inflow in Delhi as a whole, registered an increase of 108 per cent, whereas it increased only by 30 per cent in the tourist spots owned by the Company during 2009-14, it said.
"Vacant craft and food stalls and non-holding of cultural events on regular basis at the Dilli Haats, led to declining footfall and consequent inadequate exposition of Indian Art and Crafts, Culture and Cuisine."
On state finances, it said the Delhi Government had invested Rs 17,060.35 crore (as of 31 March 2014) in statutory corporations, rural banks, joint stock companies and co-operatives.