Today, the ruling BJP government in Delhi will present the CAG report in the assembly, targeting alleged irregularities during the previous AAP government, including the renovation of the Chief Minister's residence and Mohalla Clinics. Mention is made of the bungalow where former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal resided. The report claims that an expansion that took place at 6 Flag Staff Road included the merger of a camp office and staff block by breaching regulations.
According to the report, for the renovation work at the Chief Minister's residence on 6 Flag Staff Road, the Public Works Department (PWD) created a budget estimate of 79.1 million rupees by adopting plinth area rates published by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) for Type VII and VIII housing. The renovation was deemed essential by the Delhi Public Works Department. The entire renovation took place during the COVID-19 pandemic.
CM Residence Construction Exceeds Estimate by 342%
When the renovation of the CM's residence on 6 Flag Staff Road was completed, a total cost of 336.6 million rupees was incurred, which exceeded the estimated cost by 342.31%. The audit noted the lack of clarity as to why restricted bidding was used to select three consultancy firms by PWD for consultancy work.
For justifying the expense, PWD used old consultancy work rates, increased by 50%, and again relied on restricted bidding for the renovation. PWD selected five contractors based on financial status and resources, but audits revealed that only one had experience in constructing such bungalows, indicating selective and arbitrary choices for restricted bidding.
36% Expansion of CM Residence's Area
The CAG's audit found that Delhi's PWD expanded the bungalow from 1,397 sq meters to 1,905 sq meters (36%). To cover costs, PWD revised the estimated cost four times, including luxury and expensive items in the renovation. Additional tasks and contracts worth 258 million rupees were carried out by the same contractor without a tender process.
The audit noted 188.8 million rupees were spent on interior decorations and domestic fittings by showing them as extra items apart from the estimated costs. The contract for staff block/camp office renovation was granted for 165.4 million rupees against an estimated 183.7 million. The rationale behind using restricted bidding wasn't evident as related records weren't made available to CAG.
Read More: What Rekha Gupta Said Before CAG Report Presentation?
Budget Approved, Yet No Staff Block Built
The CAG audit found some of the allocated 198.7 million rupees for constructing the staff block and camp office were diverted to other works. The staff block wasn't constructed, and funds for seven servant quarters were used elsewhere. On February 25, CAG's 14 pending reports will be tabled at the Delhi Assembly, promising further revelations.
Delhi's new Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that previous governments (AAP and Congress) misused public funds. Those misusing funds will be held accountable. CAG reported a loss exceeding 2 billion rupees in 2000 due to AAP's flawed liquor policy. Note, none of CAG's reports were presented in the Delhi Assembly since 2016 during the AAP government.
Learn More: CAG Report to Arouse Delhi Turmoil with Major Revelations on Liquor Policy and CM Residence!
CAG Report on Liquor Policy Scandal
1- ₹2,026 crore loss incurred due to faults in liquor policy. 2- Expert advice was ignored in policy formulation. 3- Companies with complaints or losses were granted licenses. 4- Key decisions were not approved by the Cabinet and LG. 5- Policy not tabled in the assembly. 6- Unnecessary COVID-19 license fee waiver of ₹144 crores. 7- License re-allocation wasn't tendered, leading to ₹890 crore loss. 8- Additional ₹941 crore loss due to zone license holder concessions. 9- ₹27 crore loss due to improper security deposit recovery. 10- Uneven distribution of liquor shops.
Delhi Assembly Session to Commence February 24... Legislators to Swear, CAG Report on 25th
CAG Report Insights into Mohalla Clinic
The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) could only use 97.8 million (28%) of the 351.6 million rupees budget allocated for building primary health centers (Mohalla Clinics) between 2016-23. By March 31, 2017, against the target of 1,000 clinics, only 523 were established (including 31 evening shift ones), reflecting dire performance. The audit identified 15-day closures in four Delhi districts due to staff and doctor shortages.
Essential medical devices like pulse oximeters, glucometers, X-ray viewers, thermometers, and BP machines were lacking in clinics. Inadequate drug availability was evident; only a few clinics ensured full access to 165 essential drugs. During October 2022-March 2023, 70% of Mohalla Clinics visitors received medical consultation time of less than one minute. Inspection transparency and accountability were missing, with only 2% of clinics audited between March 2018-March 2023, and staffing was deficient.
CAG Report Also Touches Student Issues...
GST refunds of 367.7 million rupees were issued without proper document verification. Civil Services employees received 16.8 million rupees in irregular training allowances.
Over 21,500 applicants benefited from Old Age Pension, while 239 cases were rejected without reason.
Some students claimed educational benefits using the same bank account and Aadhaar number, with over 1,000 suspects. Uniform subsidies totaling 426.4 million rupees were irregularly provided to over 293,000 students, and duplicate ID cards contributed to over 8.5 million rupees in repeated payments.
