Gross anomalies in food safety, education sector: Report
The recently tabled audit report in the UP assembly for the year ending March 31, 2016 has revealed gross irregularities in the functioning of different government departments, including food and safety and education, as well as lack of proper expenditure of cess collected by the labour department among other things.
Briefing medipersons at a press conference here on Monday, principal auditor general PK Kataria said that despite the government having implemented the Food Safety and Standards Act (2006) from August 5, 2011 onwards, no survey for identification of Food Business Operators (FBO) was carried out to assess its actual number in the state between 2011 and 2016.
He further said during the audit 1250 cases of samples collected by Food Safety Officers for analysis were examined of which a significant 335 (27%) FBO were found operating without a valid license or registration while no information was available with districts officers about registration or license of 844 (68%) FBOs. The audit report revealed a significant 63% sanctioned posts of senior food analysts besides 78% sanctioned posts of lab technicians were vacant between 2011 and 2016.
Referring to discrepancies in the education department, Kataria informed free textbooks were not provided to 6.22 lakh children in the state during 2012-16 by the state government despite receipt of adequate funds under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan while uniforms were not provided to 97 lakh children in 2012-16 despite availability of adequate funds.
Moreover, 1366 schools in state, revealed the audit report, were running without requisite buildings, under thatched roof, rented or dilapidated buildings. Out of 1.6 lakh schools in state, 2978 schools did not have drinking water facility while 1734 schools did not have separate toilets for boys and girls.
The PAG also pointed out lack of use of funds allocated for development and other works which were returned after lapse of the time period while the cess collected by the labour department was not being used for its original purpose for implementation of welfare schemes meant for labourers. He also pointed out that funds should be used by any government after receipt of proper legislative approval through budget in assembly. However, in the past 10 years between 2005 and 2015 a significant Rs 22,577.49 crore was spent without proper approval that is yet to be regularised.