For the past 5 years, the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi avoided presenting the CAG report in the assembly, but now their challenges are likely to escalate. The new BJP government is stepping forward to present the CAG report, involving detailed scrutiny of major departments, including excise and the development of the Chief Minister's residence. It's crucial to note which departments will fall under this review and how it might amplify the troubles of the ministers serving during that period.
These 6 Departments Face Potential Challenges:
1. Excise Department2. Public Works Department (PWD)3. Health Department4. Education Department5. Yamuna6. Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC)
The CAG report states that several significant decisions were taken without the consent of the cabinet or the approval of the Delhi Lieutenant Governor. Despite complaints, bidding opportunities were granted to all institutions. Among the 14 pending CAG reports, 11 relate to the period when Arvind Kejriwal served as Chief Minister. These reports touch on crucial sectors like DTC, public health, and Mohalla clinics, outlining major lapses and failures of the AAP government.
Public Treasury Loss of 2026 Crores
The report alleges a substantial loss of 2026 crore rupees to the public fund due to a liquor scam. Issues with the execution of the liquor policy were identified, citing that the Group of Ministers ignored expert panel recommendations. The Excise Policy Case report highlighted that a blacklisted company was licensed to sell liquor, contrary to advisories. Both Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia could face intensified scrutiny if this report is tabled in the Delhi Assembly, potentially leading to investigations.
Alleged Irregularities in Government Housing Construction
Although the report isn't tabled yet, BJP claims the CAG report questions financial irregularities during the construction within the Civil Lines government residence when Arvind Kejriwal was Chief Minister. Allegations of corruption are made, quoting costs escalating from 8 crores to 32 crores. Despite complaints, government entities were permitted to bid, and financial checks on bidders before licensing were allegedly neglected.
Satyendar Jain's Troubles Could Increase
The report accused a large-scale irregularity while Satyendar Jain, then PWD minister, approved renovations at Arvind Kejriwal's official residence in 2022. CAG's findings assert a considerable mismanagement, potentially complicating matters for Satyendar Jain.
Accusations of Mismanagement in Health Department
Sources reveal the CAG report sheds light on health department irregularities, including a 144 crore waiver for retail license holders in January 2022, granted without cabinet approval due to COVID restrictions. Additionally, BJP highlights thousands of 'Ghost Patients' in Mohalla Clinics with false registrations. The existence of over 18,000 ghost patients was reported. These discrepancies, if proven, may be taken up by the Public Accounts Committee, necessitating further investigation against former Health Minister Satyendar Jain.
Alleged Misconduct in Transport Department
BJP alleges widespread irregularities in the Transport Department, cited in the CAG report. It charges that not a single new DTC bus was acquired during Kejriwal's tenure over a decade, while private buses were involved incurring crores in maintenance expenses. Since 2010, DTC's inventory hasn't seen new additions. Should these irregularities be confirmed, the then transport minister might face intensified challenges.
Accusations of Mismanagement in Yamuna Cleaning Efforts
The BJP, persistently advocating for the CAG report's presentation in the assembly, claims rampant irregularities in Yamuna's cleaning. Despite receiving central funds, alleged non-performance in sewer cleaning led to polluted waters directly entering the Yamuna. Contrarily, substantial funds were claimed to be siphoned off in advertisement expenses concerning Yamuna's cleaning.
Alleged Irregularities in Education Department
BJP claims the CAG report discovered lapses in classroom construction costs within Delhi's schools, where rooms costing between 6-12 lakh rupees were built at drastically inflated prices of 22 lakh rupees per classroom.
