Delhi government faces scrutiny over delayed CAG Reports and transparency concerns
- In Reports
- 10:27 PM, Jan 06, 2025
- Myind Staff
A significant number of critical reports remain pending for presentation in the Delhi Assembly, despite their importance to governance and oversight. According to highly placed sources familiar with the matter, these reports are believed to include vital audits and assessments of various government programs and initiatives. The delay in tabling these documents has sparked concerns about transparency and accountability, as timely presentation of such reports is crucial for informed decision-making and public trust in the Assembly's proceedings.
According to highly placed sources, several critical reports related to the Government of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi remain pending for presentation in the legislature. These reports include:
- State Finances Audit Report for the year ended March 2021.
- Revenue, Economic, Social, and General Sectors and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) for the years ended March 31, 2020, and 2021.
- Performance Audit on Prevention and Mitigation of Vehicular Air Pollution in Delhi for the year ended March 31, 2021.
- Performance Audit on Children in Need of Care and Protection for the year ended March 31, 2021.
- State Finances Audit Report for the year ended March 2022.
- Performance Audit on Liquor Supply in Delhi.
- State Finances Audit Report for the year ended March 2023.
- Performance Audit on Public Health Infrastructure and Management of Health Services.
- Performance Audit Report of the Comptroller & Auditor General of India (CAG) on the "Functioning of Delhi Transport Corporation."
- Performance Audit Report of the Comptroller & Auditor General of India for the year ended March 31, 2022.
In December 2024, the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Delhi, VK Saxena, publicly censured Chief Minister Atishi for failing to table these CAG reports before the Assembly. Highlighting the importance of these audits for governance and transparency, the LG expressed serious concerns over the delay and urged the Delhi Legislative Assembly to convene a special session on December 19-20, 2024, to address this issue.
In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Atishi, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena underscored the government's constitutional obligation to present statutory audit reports before the legislature. He emphasised that these reports are vital for ensuring transparency and accountability in government operations.
Saxena highlighted that, despite repeated reminders, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports had been withheld for two years, describing the delay as a "deliberate lapse." He criticised the administration for its lack of transparency and failure to fulfill its constitutional duties. Referring to a recent order by the Delhi High Court, Saxena noted that the Delhi government's counsel had assured the court that the reports would be forwarded to the Speaker within two to three days, a promise yet to be fulfilled.
Additionally, Saxena raised concerns about the Assembly's limited sessions, pointing out that only five sessions had been convened in the past five years. With the current Assembly's term set to end in February 2025, he urged the Chief Minister to consult with the Speaker and convene a special session to table the pending CAG reports.
The letter, which was also shared with the Speaker and the Leader of the Opposition, underscored the bipartisan need for transparency and accountability in governance.
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