Audit flags irregularities in monitoring of girl child scheme

The Principal Director of Audit (Central) Chandigarh has pointed out irregularities in the monitoring system in the Social Welfare Department’s “Hamari Beti” scheme.

The UT Administrator launched the scheme with the aim to encourage institutional deliveries to save the girl children. The beneficiaries were girl children born on or after April 1, 2014, through institutional delivery in a priority household under the National Food Security Act, 2013.

The applicant was required to be a resident of Chandigarh for the last six months and was eligible to claim the benefit within six months from the date of delivery. Under the scheme, the Administration provides financial assistance of Rs 40,000, which is invested in joint account in the name of girl child and programme officer.

During the test check of records for the period 2023-24 to 2024-25, it was noticed that 25 girl children benefited under the scheme.

Further scrutiny of beneficiary applications revealed that they lacked dates on signatures and the application form did not include a date column. Consequently, the audit was unable to verify whether applications were received within the stipulated timeframe of six months.

“The omission raises concerns about the validity and timeliness of applications, potentially leading to irregularities and delays in processing,” observed the report.

The audit also revealed that the department did not have an adequate system in place for receiving and monitoring applications. “Insufficient monitoring and tracking can result in irregularities, compromising the integrity of the application process,” stated the report.

On being pointed out in audit, the department stated that irregularities found in the audit regarding cases under the scheme have been noted for compliance.

Accordingly, to maintain an adequate monitoring system and for timely delivery of service of this scheme, field functionaries have been directed to submit application forms within stipulated time with diary number, dates and signatures. Through this system, applications would be adequately monitored and tracked and benefit of the scheme would be given to beneficiaries without any delays.

Utilisation certificates pending

In another finding, the report further highlighted pending utilisation certificates for various schemes. During the test check of records, it was observed that the certificates for three state schemes in 2023-24 and seven state schemes in 2024-25 were pending.

Moreover, it was observed that the department released funds to two state schemes, ICPS and JJ Fund and Parvarish, in 2024-25 without obtaining utilisation certificates for the previous years’(2023-24) grants.

On being pointed out in audit, the department stated that the Department of Social Welfare, Women and Child Development was in the process of obtaining pending certificates.