25 per cent funds of disaster mitigation in J&K diverted to ineligible works: CAG
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has raised questions over the distribution of relief and assistance to the 2014-flood victims in Jammu and Kashmir, while portraying a dismal picture of disaster management in the state. Putting to audit an amount of Rs 1,369.16 crore, spent from State Disaster Management Response Fund (SDRF) from 2010 -11 to 2014-15, the CAG has pointed that 25 per cent (Rs 342.43 crore) of the expenditure meant for disaster mitigation purposes, was diverted towards ineligible works. The expenditure was even incurred on account of excess payments or procurements at higher rates, it said. The revelations were made by the CAG in its report on performance audit of disaster management in Jammu and Kashmir for the year ending March 2016.
The report said despite multi-hazardous risks and occurrence of several disasters in recent past, the steps taken by the state government to prepare for and mitigate the impact of disasters were not commensurate with the task at hand.
There were gaps and deficiencies in institutional arrangements, policy and plan formulation as well as implementation of pre-disaster measures. Citing examples of mismanagement post the floods of 2014, the report said under the Special Plan Assistance (SPA), Rs 1,000 crore was provided for rebuilding damaged infrastructure in October 2014.
In another example, the audit noticed that the district administration Srinagar hired 504 boats for evacuation of affected people from flood-affected areas at a cost of Rs 1.77 crore, but the details of rescue operations viz area or location where the boats were deployed, number of flood affected people rescued, were not on record.
The audit also noted that Rs 1.77 crore was paid to the president of the All J-K Shikara Owners Association. As per the sanctions, payments were to be made in the range of Rs 38,000 to Rs 10,000.
There were deficiencies and delays in damage and need assessments, diversion of flood relief funds and delay in reaching relief and assistance to the aff ected persons or families, it said.