‘2.27 lakh transactions using single account’: CAG flags Rs 59.32-cr excess in Covid-time benefit transfers in Karnataka

“An analysis of the data provided by the Board revealed that 2,27,231 transactions were conducted multiple times using the same bank account number,” the report noted. Further, 1,08,5689 beneficiaries received benefits multiple times through various payment methods. The CAG audit identified repetitive transactions resulting in excess payments amounting to Rs 59.32 crore.

The CAG report on the board said that due to incomplete data provided by the Government, the genuineness of payments amounting to Rs 1.1 crore could not be verified.

Irregularities that took place during the Covid pandemic are the subject of an ongoing investigation by the Justice Michael D’Cunha Commission, which has submitted two interim reports related to the procurement of various goods and services and the distribution of benefits during the pandemic.

The CAG report also highlighted the registration of ineligible people as construction workers.

The CAG scrutinised randomly selected 399 applicants for registration and renewal of beneficiaries available. Its report observed that “employment certificate furnished along with the applications did not contain the details of employment but were accepted by the Registering Officer”.

Tailors, clerks, weavers, and people pursuing some other occupations were registered as construction workers and availed of the benefits, the report said.

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