So far three reports of CAG in regard to sanitary condition, drinking water and development of Jammu district are made public. In these columns, we have reflected public opinion on these reports. By and large, it is felt that the shortcomings stated therein were avoidable if concerned functionaries had taken their job more seriously. General impression about CAG is that it is something like an Ombudsman picking holes in the pocket of administration. We think that is a wrong impression and should be dispelled as early as possible. In theory and in practice, the CAG is a constitutional measure subscribing to the concept of checks and balances on the administrative system. Its observations and findings are of immense benefit to the administration and to the people. In overall estimation, CAG is the instrument of good governance. Its reports identify the discrepancies which need to be made good.
In its latest report, the CAG has taken up the subject of utilization of funds provided to the Members of Parliament and Legislative Assembly (both MLAs and MLCs) in the Jammu province. MLAs are provided funds under Constituency Development Schemes (CDS) and MPs under Member Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS). The purpose of these allocations is to place a specific amount at the disposal of the MLAs and MPs to be utilized for identified developmental works in their respective constituencies. This is in addition to the developmental funds provided under District Development Board plans. By and large, the funds remain under executive control of the District Development Commissioner but are expended in close cooperation and consultation with the MLA or MP concerned. In fact, the works on which these funds are to be expended are proposed by the MLAs/MPs concerned. Rules governing the scheme clearly set forth the works on which these funds can be spent. It is not an arbitrary decision on the part of the MLA/MP concerned or the DDC and other functionaries.
In the course of examining the utilization of funds on these counts for the period 2006 to 2011, the CAG has found many discrepancies and shortfalls. These are (a) works left half done (b) works undertaken but falling outside permissible areas, and (c) works not at all undertaken. The CAG has found that in overall estimation only 42 to 82 per cent of funds have been utilized on genuine works during the period 2006-2011 while the national average utilization is around 91.37 per cent. Naturally, unspent balance of CDS funds has swelled from 4.17 crore in 2006-07 to 11.69 crore in 2010-2011. The main reason, according to the CAG, for shortfall in utilization of available funds is their non-release within proper time. It has pointedly said that non-release of funds at proper time has forced the half way closure of the work taken in hand and thus losses have been incurred because the part of the work done has become unfruitful. The question is why funds are not released at proper time and without hassle? This is the malady on which one can place one’s finger. It is all about officialdom and intricacies of red tape-ism eating into the vitals of our administrative structure. The entire scheme was planned after much consideration by the law makers in the country. But the way, in which its implementation is delayed and made complicated, shows that all that can be said, is that the purpose of the scheme gets defeated. Ours is a backward State and we have to work hard in many areas to catch up with other parts of the country. Ours is a hilly state with so many economic constraints. Elected representatives are the best judge of the requirements of their respective areas and constituencies. They are also more answerable to their people. Therefore they have a major role in utilizing the allotted funds for priority works. They know that proper utilization of funds under CDS wins them the favour of the masses of people in general and of their respective constituencies in particular. The inference one may draw from the CAG report in this behalf is that the Government will have to intervene and put a mechanism in place that dismantles clerical and bureaucratic bottlenecks in respect of release of funds in adequate instalments and at reasonable time avoiding delay. MLAs and MPs will need to ensure that the works they propose to be completed out of the CDS and MPLADS funds are within the approved parameters and not outside them.
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