Odisha CAG Report Finds Government Engineers Misused Tribal Welfare Funds for Phone Recharges and Online Purchases

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has raised serious concerns regarding the alleged misappropriation of public funds allocated for tribal development projects in Odisha. The apex audit body has flagged a total of Rs 148.75 crore, intended for initiatives under the Integrated Tribal Development Agencies (ITDAs), as having been subject to “suspected misappropriation.” This issue has come under the spotlight following the submission of a detailed report to the Odisha State Assembly on Wednesday.

The CAG report identifies a series of “irrelevant transactions” involving the diversion of government funds meant for tribal welfare programs. Specifically, these funds, which were allocated to support development projects such as education, health, infrastructure, and livelihood programs for tribal communities, were reportedly transferred directly to the bank accounts of ITDA engineers. The audit body expressed concern that such transactions indicate a misuse of public resources, potentially undermining the objectives of the ITDAs and the state’s broader efforts to promote tribal development.

The Integrated Tribal Development Agencies were established with the mandate to implement targeted schemes for the upliftment and welfare of tribal populations in Odisha. Their projects typically include funding for healthcare services, educational initiatives, skill development, and infrastructure creation within tribal areas. The diversion of resources away from these intended purposes raises questions about administrative oversight, accountability, and governance within the ITDAs.

The CAG’s findings are significant because they expose gaps in financial management and internal controls within the state-run tribal development programs. Public funds allocated for the welfare of marginalized communities are expected to be carefully monitored and spent strictly according to the intended purposes. Any deviation from this framework not only represents a violation of financial propriety but also impacts the delivery of essential services to tribal populations who depend heavily on these programs.

According to the report, the irregularities were discovered during a routine audit of financial transactions and fund allocations under the ITDAs. The audit examined multiple accounts and transactions and found that large sums of money had been transferred to individuals’ accounts rather than being deployed for developmental activities. The CAG termed these activities “irrelevant transactions,” highlighting that the funds did not contribute to the intended welfare or infrastructure projects.

The implications of this report are substantial. Firstly, it calls into question the internal financial controls and accountability mechanisms within the ITDAs. Secondly, it emphasizes the need for greater oversight from the state government to ensure that allocated funds are used properly and transparently. Thirdly, it underscores the importance of implementing stricter audit and monitoring mechanisms to prevent similar misuse of public funds in the future.

In response to the findings, the Odisha government is likely to undertake a thorough review of financial practices within ITDAs. The report serves as a reminder of the critical role of audits in safeguarding public resources and ensuring that development projects reach the intended beneficiaries. Civil society, policymakers, and government authorities may use these findings to introduce reforms aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and accountability in tribal development programs.

In conclusion, the CAG report highlights a serious issue regarding the mismanagement of Rs 148.75 crore of public funds intended for tribal welfare in Odisha. By identifying the misappropriation and irrelevant transactions involving ITDA engineers’ accounts, the report brings attention to the need for stringent financial oversight, accountability measures, and reforms in the administration of tribal development projects. Ensuring proper utilization of these funds is crucial not only for maintaining public trust but also for the successful implementation of programs designed to uplift and empower tribal communities across the state.