CAG flags financial irregularities in Maharashtra child rights panel functioning for FY 2018-19

The audit was tabled in the state assembly on Tuesday by women and child welfare minister Aditi Tatkare. File Pic/X

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has raised serious concerns over financial mismanagement in the Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights for the financial year 2018-19, citing weak internal controls and accounting lapses, reported the PTI.

In its audit report tabled on Tuesday, the CAG pointed out that interest amounting to Rs 10.23 lakh earned on government grants was required to be returned to the state exchequer as per rules, but the commission instead accounted for it as its own income. However, the commission instead recorded this amount as its own income, in violation of established norms, the news agency reported.

The report highlighted that expenditure worth Rs 1.93 lakh incurred on services and materials during 2018-19 was not entered into the accounts. This omission resulted in an inflated depiction of the commission's financial surplus, as per the PTI.

Asset valuation discrepancies

Auditors also found inconsistencies in the calculation of depreciation on assets such as computers and printers. Incorrect accounting methods led to an overstatement of asset values by Rs 0.26 lakh.

Lack of transparency in financial records

According to the PTI, the audit pointed to unclear financial documentation, noting that Rs 2.45 lakh was listed as an advance drawn from a non-salary fund. However, the commission failed to provide supporting documents or clarify the purpose and timing of this withdrawal.

Additionally, the absence of comparative expenditure data with the previous financial year further undermined transparency.

Systemic weaknesses identified

Flagging broader governance issues, the CAG observed that the commission lacked an internal audit mechanism - an essential tool for ensuring accountability. It also noted that no physical verification of inventory was being carried out.

Grant utilisation

The report stated that the commission received government grants totalling Rs 1.14 crore during 2018-19, all of which were fully utilised by 31 March 2019, leaving no unspent balance, reported the PTI.

Despite the seriousness of the findings, the commission has not yet provided any explanation, the report noted.

The audit was tabled in the state assembly on Tuesday by women and child welfare minister Aditi Tatkare, the news agency reported.

(with PTI inputs)