A recent audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has uncovered significant financial irregularities in Uttarakhand, revealing misuse of public funds across various government departments. The report, tabled in the Uttarakhand Assembly during the Budget Session, flagged unauthorized expenditures, violations of forest conservation regulations, and inefficiencies in healthcare services.
Misuse of CAMPA Funds for Non-Forest Activities
The audit found that nearly Rs 14 crore from the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) was misappropriated for purposes unrelated to forest conservation. CAMPA funds, intended to mitigate the impact of forest land diversion, were instead used for purchasing iPhones, office decor, laptops, refrigerators, and coolers. Additionally, funds were spent on renovation of buildings and legal expenses, contravening guidelines.
The CAMPA regulations mandate that afforestation should be completed within one or two growing seasons after fund allocation. However, the report found that in 37 cases, compensatory afforestation was delayed by over eight years. It also highlighted wrongful land selection under the scheme, further compounding the inefficiencies.
Violation of Forest Land Transfer Rules
The CAG report also identified 52 instances between 2014 and 2022 where projects such as roads, power lines, and water supply infrastructure were initiated without necessary permissions from the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO). This directly violates established regulations, which require in-principle approval from the Centre and subsequent clearance from local authorities.
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A key concern raised in the report was the low survival rate of trees planted under afforestation programs. Between 2017 and 2022, the survival rate stood at 33 percent, significantly lower than the 60-65 percent standard set by the Forest Research Institute. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of afforestation initiatives and their actual impact on environmental conservation.
Unapproved Expenditures by the Workers Welfare Board
Another major finding was that the Workers Welfare Board spent Rs 607 crore without government approval between 2017 and 2021. The report criticized the board’s financial mismanagement and lack of oversight in fund utilization.
The CAG report also flagged serious lapses in Uttarakhand’s healthcare system, particularly regarding the distribution of expired medicines in government hospitals. It found that three hospitals stocked 34 expired medicines, some of which had expired over two years ago.
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Additionally, the audit highlighted a severe shortage of specialist doctors in the state. The findings revealed that 70 percent of specialist doctor posts in hilly areas and 50 percent in plains remain vacant. It also noted that 250 doctors continued to practice despite violating lockdown regulations.
Political Reactions and Government Response
Following the release of the report, the opposition Congress party accused the BJP-led government of gross financial mismanagement and misuse of public funds. Congress leaders demanded stringent action and accountability for the irregularities highlighted in the audit.
In response, Uttarakhand Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal announced an investigation into the mismanagement of CAMPA funds. “We take the CAG’s findings seriously and will initiate a thorough probe to ensure corrective measures are taken,” he stated.
