KHADC had neither formulated guidelines for implementing these schemes nor issued conditions for the proper utilisation of the grants in the sanction orders. Furthermore, the council could not produce essential documents, including actual payee receipts signed by the MDCs, vouchers, or utilisation certificates, to prove that the grants were disbursed and utilised appropriately
SHILLONG, Dec 29: The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) report for the year ending March 31, 2018, has flagged unverified expenditure of Rs 108 lakh under the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council’s (KHADC) programmes for promoting sports activities and conserving traditional culture.
The report, tabled during the recent winter session of the Council, revealed that in 2017-18, the Executive Committee of the KHADC sanctioned Rs 108 lakh in grants-in-aid (Rs 54 lakh for sports activities and Rs 54 lakh for traditional culture) for 18 members of district council (MDCs).
Each MDC received Rs 6 lakh — Rs 3 lakh for each programme.
The funds were approved on March 28, 2018, and withdrawn via a self-cheque by the Secretary of the Executive Committee on March 31, 2018.
The CAG observed that the KHADC had neither formulated guidelines for implementing these schemes nor issued conditions for the proper utilisation of the grants in the sanction orders.
Furthermore, the council could not produce essential documents, including actual payee receipts signed by the MDCs, vouchers, or utilisation certificates, to prove that the grants were disbursed and utilised appropriately.
The absence of these records rendered the expenditure unverifiable, raising concerns about whether the Rs 108 lakh allocated for the programmes was used for its intended purposes. Despite the audit observations, the council failed to furnish any response.
The CAG recommended that the KHADC maintain proper accounts supported by relevant documentation to ensure that programme funds are utilised for bona fide purposes.
It also advised the council to establish rules to regulate discretionary grants and maintain accountability for expenditures under welfare schemes.