CAG report flags irregularities in key schemes, Marandi targets Hemant govt
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Ranchi, August 12: Jharkhand Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi on Wednesday alleged that the latest Comptroller and Auditor…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, August 12: Jharkhand Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi on Wednesday alleged that the latest Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report has exposed serious administrative lapses, financial irregularities and delays in the implementation of key welfare schemes under the Hemant Soren government.
Addressing a press conference, Marandi said the findings raised serious questions over the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) and MGNREGA, alleging that the poor and rural population had suffered as a result of administrative delays and shortcomings.
Irregularities Flagged in Jal Jeevan Mission
Marandi said the CAG audit had highlighted irregularities in the tendering process and delays in the execution of works under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
According to him, several tenders received limited competition, while some contracts were awarded at rates higher than the estimated cost. He also cited the CAG’s observations regarding contracts worth around ₹148 crore being awarded across various tenders to a contractor whose tendering capacity was negative.
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He further alleged that the audit had detected indications of collusive bidding in some tenders. In the Ranchi-East and Khunti divisions, he said, only two bidders participated in certain tenders, with the investigation finding that their respective demand drafts had allegedly been purchased by each other.
6.32 Lakh Eligible Families Allegedly Left Out of PMAY-G
Targeting the government’s implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin, Marandi said delays in finalising targets and beneficiaries resulted in 6.32 lakh eligible families being excluded from the scheme out of a total of 22.34 lakh identified beneficiaries.
He alleged that poor families were forced to bear the consequences of administrative delays in providing housing assistance.
MGNREGA Funds Released After Delays
Marandi also alleged shortcomings in the implementation of MGNREGA, saying funds under the rural employment scheme were released with delays ranging from 40 to 55 days.
He said such delays undermined the basic objective of MGNREGA, which is to provide timely employment to rural households in need.
He further claimed that the CAG audit had identified expenditure that was inadmissible under the scheme.
Marandi Questions Utilisation of Government Funds
The BJP leader also raised questions over the state’s financial management.
Citing the figures presented in the CAG report, he said Utilisation Certificates (UCs) relating to expenditure of ₹1,60,565 crore were pending as of March 31, 2025.
He further claimed that ₹31,110 crore, or 20.61 per cent of the ₹1,50,938.84 crore budget for 2024-25, remained unspent.
Similarly, of the ₹1,916.63 crore received for 13 Centrally Sponsored Schemes, ₹596.02 crore, or 31.10 per cent, remained unutilised, he said.
Marandi argued that the figures indicated shortcomings not only in the timely utilisation of available funds but also in maintaining proper expenditure records.
‘CAG Report Raises Questions Over Overall Governance’
Marandi said the CAG findings went beyond individual schemes and raised broader questions about the administrative and financial functioning of the state government.
He alleged that while the Centre was making funds available for welfare and rural development, the state government had failed to ensure timely implementation, proper utilisation and transparent accounting.
According to Marandi, the government must explain the irregularities highlighted in the audit and fix responsibility for administrative and financial lapses.
Marandi Objects to Police Visit to Student Protest Site
Marandi also criticised the alleged conduct of Ranchi Deputy Commissioner and Senior Superintendent of Police during a late-night visit to the protest site at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium.
He alleged that the officials intimidated students who were participating in the agitation and objected to the manner in which the administration handled the protest.
Referring to the four-member committee constituted by the state government for talks with the students, Marandi said the panel should either engage in dialogue with the protesters or be dissolved.
State media in-charge Yogendra Pratap Singh and party spokespersons Avinesh Kumar, Mrityunjay Sharma and K.K. Gupta were also present at the press conference.
