There is an atmosphere of election in Bihar and like every time, leaders are making big promises. Meanwhile, the question is arising that even if these promises are fulfilled, is the money allocated for the schemes really being used? One of Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) Recent report It has been revealed that a budget of Rs 7,567.93 crore was not fully used for 20 schemes in 2023-24.
The most used money was for the Swachh Bharat Mission (second phase), which was Rs 1,628 crore. After this, Rs 1,500 crore for Indira Awas Yojana, which gives grants to the poor to build houses. A fund worth Rs 1,387.52 crore was also used for health schemes.
The special thing is that one Second CAG Report Has recently revealed the bad situation of health services in Bihar. Despite this, health works based on the recommendations of the Finance Commission under the National Health Mission, the renewal of health centers under the seven decision-2 and the funds allocated for the construction of health sub-centers sponsored by NABARD should be completely used.
Other major schemes were Rs 1,100 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Rs 849.84 crore for funded colleges and non-government schools, and Rs 336 crore for National Rural Drinking Water Program.
Budget is being used continuously
The budget of many schemes was completely used, while in many other schemes, half was spent. In major schemes of more than Rs 1,000 crore, funds from 2019-20 were continuously used in important departments like education, agriculture, home, disaster management. Funds worth more than Rs 10,000 crore were used for education from 2019-20 to 2023-24 every year. In 2024, about 53% of the budget allocated for rural development and 47% of agriculture and disaster management were not spent.
Why is this happening?
According to the CAG report, there are main reasons for lack of funds.
Overbazeting: Excessive budget allocation.
Poor expenditure scheme: Lack of concrete plan to spend funds.
Delay in bureaucracy: Delay at administrative level.
Weak accountability: Lack of responsibility.
Weak financial control: lack of monitoring on the use of funds.
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