Deficient execution of NREGA cost exchequer over Rs 80 cr:CAG

Irregular expenditure and delay in execution of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme in Maharashtra cost the state exchequer Rs 81.47 crore, according to the Comptroller and Auditor General.
Works, which were not permissible under the scheme, were undertaken leading to irregular expenditure of Rs 47.19 crore while due to delay in execution of work, a number of works were abandoned leading to another unfruitful expenditure of Rs 34.28 crore, the annual CAG report tabled in December, said.
The project completion report was not accompanied by report of Vigilance and Monitoring Committee or photographs of completed work, it said.

The CAG said there were delays in payment of wages and unemployment allowance. Also, differential in wages due to revision in wage rates too remained unpaid.
There were shortfalls in verifications and inspection works and conducting of social audit. The management information system database did not provide an assurance on its reliability, the report added.
The implementation of MGNREGA in the state was "deficient" as eight of the nine test-checked districts did not prepare the District Perspective Plans (DPP) to facilitate advance planning for effective implementation of the scheme.

The annual development plans were also "unrealistic" as the quantum of employment actually provided against the estimated demand was substantially down, the CAG noted.

The CAG has also found that in the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna, irregular price escalation amounting to Rs 17.84 crore were allowed to contractors in respect of 61 works though none of the works were completed within the specified time limit in the contracts.
Also, item rates were revised during execution, leading to an irregular payment to the tune of Rs 92.43 lakh to the contractor, the report said.