Title: Bihar Didn’t Submit Utilisation Certificates of Over ₹70,000 Cr Projects: CAG
The recent Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on State Finances for 2023-24 has raised concerns over the financial management of the Bihar government. The report, tabled in the Bihar Assembly on Thursday, reveals that the state failed to submit Utilisation Certificates (UCs) for projects worth over ₹70,000 crore. This staggering amount is a significant portion of the state’s annual budget, and the lack of UCs raises questions about the effectiveness of project implementation and the accountability of government officials.
A Utilisation Certificate is a document that verifies funds or resources have been used for their intended purpose. It is a critical step in the project implementation process, as it ensures that funds are being utilized for the intended purpose and that the project is progressing as planned. The CAG report highlights that the state government has not submitted UCs for projects worth ₹70,877.61 crore, leaving the auditor’s office without crucial information to verify the effective use of funds.
The report states that as of March 31, 2024, the Accountant General’s office had received over 49,000 outstanding UCs. This indicates that the government has failed to submit UCs for a significant number of projects, leaving the auditor’s office with limited visibility into the projects’ progress and financial management.
The CAG report is not the first to highlight concerns over the Bihar government’s financial management. Previous reports have flagged issues such as irregularities in the use of funds, lack of transparency, and inefficient project implementation. The recent report’s findings are a stark reminder that the state government needs to take immediate action to address these issues and ensure the effective use of public funds.
The lack of UCs for projects worth over ₹70,000 crore is not only a financial issue but also a credibility concern for the government. It raises questions about the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, and whether officials are taking steps to ensure that public funds are being used efficiently and effectively.
The CAG report’s findings are also concerning because they highlight the lack of a robust financial management system in the state. The report states that the state government’s financial management system is inadequate, and there is a need for improved monitoring and supervision of projects. This highlights the need for the government to strengthen its financial management system, including the use of technology and other tools to improve transparency and accountability.
The Bihar government needs to take immediate action to address the issues highlighted in the CAG report. This includes ensuring that UCs are submitted for all projects, improving the financial management system, and increasing transparency and accountability. The government should also take steps to improve the monitoring and supervision of projects, including regular reviews and assessments to ensure that projects are progressing as planned.
In conclusion, the CAG report’s findings are a wake-up call for the Bihar government to take immediate action to address the issues highlighted in the report. The lack of UCs for projects worth over ₹70,000 crore is a significant concern, and the government needs to take steps to improve financial management, transparency, and accountability. The report’s findings highlight the need for a robust financial management system, and the government should take steps to strengthen this system to ensure the effective use of public funds.
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