CAG Uncovers Irregularities in Implementation of PMAY-G, Jal Jeevan Mission, and MGNREGA in Jharkhand.
The recent performance audit reports presented by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in Jharkhand have unveiled significant irregularities concerning the execution of key government schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin), Jal Jeevan Mission, and MGNREGA. These findings highlight critical flaws in planning and implementation that are likely to impact the state’s developmental trajectory. The audit noted that over 6.32 lakh eligible households remain unserved under PMAY-G due to miscalculations in prioritization and an inability to meet designated targets, which diminished the Centre’s allocation to 16.02 lakh houses, leaving many without housing.
In terms of financial management, the CAG report evidenced inadequate fiscal oversight under PMAY-G, where the expenditure reached ₹14,113 crore against an available ₹20,199.98 crore, indicating a disturbing utilization range of merely 55 to 83 percent between 2019 and 2024. This lapse not only underscores poor governance but also raises questions about the efficacy of fund allocation for public housing initiatives. Furthermore, the Jal Jeevan Mission has similarly faltered, with only a fraction of the approved schemes completed, thereby limiting access to potable water for numerous rural households; while 34,31,115 households received functional tap connections, this ratio remains significantly below the national average of 80 percent.
The CAG’s findings concerning MGNREGA have revealed discrepancies between recorded and actual outcomes, exposing a gap that requires immediate attention. With over ₹321.84 crore in delayed wages for unskilled laborers from 2019-2024 and only 27 percent of proposed work completed, the report paints a stark picture of neglect in fulfilling rural employment guarantees. As of March 2024, nearly half of the proposed projects are left incomplete, which may exacerbate economic woes and perpetuate poverty within the state’s rural sectors.
The implications of these audits are profound for Jharkhand’s governance framework, suggesting that immediate remedial measures are needed to restore public trust and ensure compliance with the intended objectives of these welfare schemes. The findings underscore the necessity for enhanced accountability mechanisms and rigorous follow-ups to mitigate the deficiencies identified, paving the way for more effective and transparent governance in future initiatives. The situation calls for a re-evaluation of strategic priorities to ensure the alignment of state capabilities with the developmental aspirations of its populace.
Source: Hindustan Times
(Expert Note: This report was prepared by the Wealthova team.)