Poor facilities, avoidable expenses of Rs 600 cr under CAG scanner

In an “initial performance report”, expected to be tabled in the next session of Parliament, Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has expressed dismay over poor infrastructure provided to the paramilitary forces and stumbled upon disparity in “demand and supply of goods” with avoidable expenses of nearly Rs 600 crore in the last few years. 

Recently, the national auditor started the performance audit on Capital Construction Programme and found discrepancies in terms of records on <g data-gr-id="25">construction</g> of buildings and accommodation for the forces. The establishments, which are constructed in “difficult terrain” are of poor quality and in some cases construction material were reportedly procured at higher prices as compared to market rates.

In Maoist-infested areas of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and in Odisha, accommodation for CRPF jawans shown in documents turned out to be mere tin and bamboo camouflaged sheds, where it is difficult for someone to take cover. It slammed the previous government for their indifferent attitude towards the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and BSF jawans, who keep vigil on the border areas under extreme conditions. It was found that <g data-gr-id="31">poor</g> quality of warm clothes, food and lack of basic amenities has invited only anger. 

The mid-training schedules for the jawans and their allowances were also found to be delayed and distributed respectively in an irregular manner. Between 2010 to 2013 forces like Assam Rifles, BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP and SSB spent nearly Rs 80,003.98 crore out of the total budgetary allocation of Rs 7961.15 crore  only on construction. The expenditure was much more compared to funds allocated, but in ground reality the actual infrastructural set up was not “matching” the amount being spent.

Also, in many cases <g data-gr-id="19">additional</g> amount of money was used (in construction) without any approval from competent <g data-gr-id="20">authorities,</g> while in some cases relevant documents on purchase and procurement were found to be incomplete and missing. Under these stressful circumstances, suicide among jawans is also a concern for the government. As per statistics, nearly 45,981 jawans had already sought voluntary retirement in the last five years, with BSF topping the list with 22,260 jawans.