PAC calls for transparent use of funds in Mandi

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly held a review meeting at the DRDA auditorium in the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Mandi, on Friday. The session was chaired by PAC chairman Anil Sharma and attended by Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, MLAs Dr Hans Raj, Jeet Ram Katwal, Inder Singh, Dr Janak Raj and Malender Rajan.

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The committee is currently touring various districts to examine audit paras raised in the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India’s reports for fiscal years 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21.

In his address, chairman Anil Sharma highlighted that this was the committee’s first field visit as part of the audit review process. He instructed officials to ensure optimal and need-based utilisation of development funds released by the state government. Sharma emphasised that funds should not remain idle in bank accounts and must be used within the stipulated timelines.

He stressed the need for maintaining detailed records of schemes and allocations and called for complete transparency and accountability in public spending. Officers were directed to submit comprehensive responses to audit paras within the given deadlines to facilitate timely resolution.

Sharma also urged greater interdepartmental coordination to ensure swift and effective execution of development works. He expressed confidence that the committee’s deliberations would lead to meaningful outcomes and improved governance.

The committee held detailed discussions on audit observations related to key departments, including Health, Education, Public Works, Jal Shakti, State Taxes and Excise, Social Justice and Empowerment, Fire Services, and Revenue. Members actively shared insights and gave constructive suggestions on multiple issues of concern.

Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan welcomed the committee and assured full cooperation from the district administration. He committed to implementing the committee’s directions and ensuring that all department reports are submitted on time.

Before the review meeting, PAC members inspected the under-construction building of the Government Degree College in Mandi to assess progress. Among the notable attendees were Superintendent of Police Sakshi Verma, Additional Deputy Commissioner Rohit Rathour, Committee Officer Naina Kotvi, Senior Reporters Kalpana Verma and Anjula Verma, CAG Senior Audit Officer Anup Kumar, Assistant Auditors Jitender Guleria, Sanjeev Kumar, Santosh and senior departmental officers.