The Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) has noted the non-production of record in the expenditure of a huge amount of Rs 400.33 million in the accounts of the City District Government Peshawar (CDGP) during 2011-12, said Audit Report year 2012-13.
According to Section 14 (1-b) & (3) of the Auditor General's (Functions, Powers and Terms and Conditions of Services) Ordinance 2001 the Auditor General has the authority to require any accounts, books, papers and other document, which deal with or forms the basis of or otherwise relevant to transactions to which his duties in respect of audit extend hence any person or authority hindering the auditor's functions of the Auditor General of Pakistan regarding inspection of accounts shall be subject to disciplinary action under relevant Efficiency and Disciplinary Rules, applicable to such persons.
The Executive Engineer Building Division-I C&W Peshawar incurred an expenditure of Rs 400.33 million on development schemes during 2011-12. But, the record was not produced for audit despite repeated written requests.
The Audit observed that non-production of record due to non-compliance with government rules that resulted in non-verification of record. However, when reported in November 2012, Management stated that instructions had been issued to all the officers concerned for production of record. The reply was not convincing as no record was produced during audit.
Similarly, Departmental Audit Committee (DAC) in its meeting held in December 2012 also directed the production of relevant record with a period of two months. But, till finalisation of the report no progress was intimated. The audit has recommended fixing responsibility on the persons at fault under intimation to audit. Furthermore, due to internal control weaknesses, the City District Government failed in the utilisation of developmental funds of Rs 13,632 million.
According to para12 of GFR Vol.-I, every controlling officer must see not only that the total expenditure is kept within the limits of the authorised appropriation, but also that the funds allotted to spending units are expended in the public interest and upon objects for which the money was provided.
Executive District Officer (E&SE) Peshawar did not utilise development fund of Rs 13,632,836 released in January 2011 for the purchase of Jute tats, furniture and laboratory equipment during 2010-11. The audit observed that non-utilisation of development funds occurred due to weak internal control, which deprived the students from basic facilities.
But, on reporting of the issue in May 2012, the management stated that efforts were made, but due to shortage of time purchase process was not fulfilled and the amount surrender to City District Government to revive it in the month of July next financial year 2012-13.
The reply was not convincing as similar funds were lapsed by the EDO during previous financial years instead of utilising it timely for which the DCO had already called an explanation vide letter dated 31-5-2012 regarding non- utilisation and blockage of fund. Till finalisation of this report no progress was intimated. DAC meeting was also not convened till finalisation of the report. Audit had recommended fixing responsibility on the persons at fault and inquiry under intimation to audit.
Comments
Comments are closed.