THEFT AND MISAPPROPRIATION: Cases to tune of Rs 136 crore pending for years on end

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The number of cases regarding misappropriation, theft and losses of government materials amounting to Rs 136 crore has been pending for years in different departments. Only in 20 of the 342 such cases, the departments concerned lodged FIRs. The pendency of the cases ranges from 5-25 years.

According to the CAG report, non-receipt of replies from the departments concerned and non-submission of specific/appropriate replies by departments led to the pendency of the cases. "The Government may take necessary action in all the remaining cases and logically conclude the misappropriation cases. Besides, the government should consider putting in place an effective mechanism to ensure monitoring and speedy settlement of cases relating to theft, misappropriation and losses, in their financial interests," the CAG report said.

According to sources, the employees responsible for the theft, misappropriation of funds and incurring losses moving scot-free for years will embolden unscrupulous employees who should adhere to rules and regulations. It is the bounden duty of the departments concerned to take measures to tackle the cases of misappropriation of funds, theft and making losses promptly. However, they continue to adopt a laidback attitude to the cases, leading to their pendency of about 25 years.

The CAG pointed out, "Despite the availability of information in the VAHAN database the DTOs (District Transport Officers) of 11 districts neither initiated action to cancel the registrations/permits of those vehicles whose fitness certificates have expired nor issued any notice to defaulting vehicles owners, resulting in foregoing of revenue of Rs 1.19 crore, besides fines of Rs 22.56 crore was also leviable. Between April 2017 and March 2019, fitness certificates of 19,201 vehicles have expired, but the DTOs concerned refrained from taking action against them."

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