SRINAGAR, NOV 1: The Comptroller and Auditor General (cag) has indicted Jammu and Kashmir Government for irregularity in adjusting poll related expenses granted by the Centre since 1974-75.The CAG in its latest report observed that the ad hoc payments released by the Central Government to the State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) since 1974-75 had not been adjusted till October 1998.The Central Government provides ad hoc advance payments to a state in case the state is not able to bear the burden of expenditure initially. Such payments are subject to final adjustment on receipt of audited statements of expenditure/ audit certificates.The CAG report found that despite standing instructions of the government, which require that departmental figures of expenditure should be reconciled periodically with those of Accountant General (AG), the departement had not reconciled the variations.(During the years 1996-97 and 1997-98, expenditure of Rs 14.67 crore was reportedly incurred against the allocation ofRs 16.56 crore made by the State Government. The expenditures were, however, at variance with those booked in the accounts compiled by the Accountant General (Accounts and Entitlement).During 1996-97 and 1997-98 expenditure incurred by the CEO was shown as Rs 14.67 crore whereas the allocation by the State Government stood at Rs 16.56 crore. The expenditure, however, was found at variance with the accounts compiled by AG whose figures amounted to Rs 18.73 crore and thus a variance of Rs 4.06 crore.A serious lapse was observed in the allotment of funds to district election officers of Rajouri, Srinagar and Baramulla by the CEO. As against the actual expenditure of Rs 37 lakh in Lok Sabha elections (1996 and 1998) and Rs 49.91 lakh in legislative assembly elections (1996) in these districts, the expenditure was shown as around Rs 65 lakh and Rs 69 lakh, respectively. The expenditure was thus overstated by Rs. 46 lakh.No records for monitoring allocation of funds and expenditure there against had beenmaintained at any level during 1996-97 and 1997-98, the CAG report said.PM promises 5-6 months ration to Kargil victims NEW DELHI: The Prime Minister Vajpayee on Monday assured the people of Kargil that those affected by Pakistani firing would be given ration for the next five to six months instead of monthly supply when the winter becomes harsh in the region. The assurance was given to a delegation of displaced persons from Kargil which called on Vajpayee on Monday morning.The Centre has already released Rs 12 crore for providing relief to 24,114 families displaced by Pakistani firing along the LoC in J&K, it said.In addition, the Government has already sanctioned Rs 4 crore for constructing 2,500 bunker type houses in Kargil. The State Government is being advised to get these bunkers constructed immediately so that the displaced persons can take the benefit.
