NO ACCOUNT OF EXPENDITURE OF MORE THAN 17,000 CRORES IN BIHAR

NO ACCOUNT OF EXPENDITURE OF MORE THAN 17,000 CRORES IN BIHAR

26-JULY-ENG 12

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA---------------------------Raising serious questions on the financial management of the Bihar government, the latest report of the Comptroller and Auditor General has made a big disclosure. In the year 2023-24, the government failed to submit the utilization certificate of expenditure of seventy thousand seven hundred seventy seven crores. This certificate ensures that the amount was used for the prescribed purposes. In its absence, the possibility of misuse or embezzlement of funds has increased.

The Auditor General's report, which was presented in the Bihar Legislative Assembly, shows that out of the total budget of three lakh twenty six thousand crores, two lakh sixty thousand crores rupees were spent, but sixty five thousand five hundred twelve crores rupees were not spent. Out of this, only thirty six percent of the amount was returned. Departments like Panchayati Raj, Education, and Urban Development have the highest utility certificates pending. Also, temporary advances of more than one hundred eighty four crores rupees and detailed contingency bills of twenty two thousand one hundred thirty crores rupees were also not deposited.

The state's debt also rose by thirteen and a half percent, and total liabilities rose by twelve and a half percent. The Auditor General warned that such financial irregularities raise questions about transparency.