Govt should prepare realistic Budget: CAG

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, March 31

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) in its report for 2014-15 which was tabled in the Delhi Assembly today observed that an analysis of the government’s accounts largely indicated “unrealistic budgeting, deficient financial provisions and slackness on the part of the departments in implementing the schemes” leading to non-utilisation of funds. 

CAG has recommended realistic budget estimates to avoid large savings and supplementary provisions and devise suitable mechanisms by finance department to avoid rush of expenditure in last quarter/month of the financial year. 

In addition, the government may consider taking up the matter with Public Account Committee Secretariat for regularisation of excess expenditure.

In the audit report for the year 2014-15, it pointed out that Rs 6,093.85 crore remained unutilised indicating that the Budget was not prepared after adequate scrutiny of projects and schemes. 

Against a total provision of Rs 37,117.99 crore, an expenditure of Rs 31,024.14 crore was incurred which resulted in savings of Rs 6,093.85 crore and most of the savings were either due to non-finalisation of purchase proposals in time, receipt of less claim, procurement of less store items, non-filling up of vacant posts and non-payment of arears of pay and allowances, among others.