CAG report reveals lapses in Delhi govt, flags fodder scam-like irregularities in PDS; Arvind Kejriwal promises probe

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) revealed several irregularities across departments under the Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government, increasing troubles for the party which rose to power on its anti-corruption plank. The CAG report, which was tabled in Delhi Assembly on Tuesday, highlighted “lapses” in the public distribution system as it found that eight vehicles which ferried 1,589.92 quintals of specified food articles to fair price shops had registration number of buses, scooters, motorcycles and three-wheelers. [caption id=“attachment_4393385” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File image of Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. Getty Images[/caption] “This gives rise to doubt whether the reported transportation of SFAs (specified food articles) had actually taken place and possibility of pilferage could not be ruled out,” the report stated. The irregularity is reminiscent of the notorious fodder scam where forged transport receipts were raised, amid other means of corruption, to embezzle millions of rupees from the then united Bihar’s Animal and Husbandry department. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal taking note of the report’s finding blamed Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal for “protecting” ration mafia in Delhi by stalling the implementation of Delhi government’s doorstep ration delivery scheme.

Extract from CAG report. This is what LG trying to protect when he rejects Doorstep delivery of rations. Entire ration system in grip of mafia protected by political masters. Doorstep delivery wud hv destroyed this mafia. pic.twitter.com/ZytNFgc0XF

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) April 3, 2018

Meanwhile, the CAG report pointed out at least 50 cases of alleged irregularities. The report also revealed that lack of timely and effective action by the various departments of the government levied a loss of revenue worth Rs 416 crore in 650 case. The report also flagged several irregularities in the health sector. The CAG pointed out that Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS) made “irregular payment” of educational grants and academic allowances to its faculty members. It revealed that 32 out of the 68 blood banks in the national capital were functioning “without valid licenses”.  And it claimed that 50 beds and a photon beam accelerator were lying idle at a west Delhi unit of Delhi State Cancer Institute (DSCI) as they were purchased without ensuring availability of adequate manpower.   The report prompted chief minister Arvind Kejriwal to warn of "exemplary action" in cases of “corruption and irregularities” warned of “exemplary action” in cases of “corruption and irregularities.”

Exemplary action will be taken against the guilty in each case of corruption or irregularity pointed by CAG. No one will be spared.

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) April 3, 2018

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The move comes at a time when the AAP government and bureaucrats are  at loggerheads  since the alleged attack on Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash by some ruling party MLAs at the chief minister’s residence in February. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party was quick to latch on to the findings of the report to corner Kejriwal. BJP’s Delhi unit chief Manoj Tiwari said that the CAG report had “exposed” the AAP government. “The report has established that the Arvind Kejriwal government is paying no attention towards development of the city and its tall claims on health and education are frivolous,” Tiwari said. The report has confirmed that health services are “not functioning properly” due to lack of equipment, pharmacists and other resources at health facilities, he claimed. “At the Cancer Institute, equipment is lying unused since 2015, but the Kejriwal government has no time to start it.” With inputs from agencies