CAG To Audit Rural Development Expenditures

The Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh said his Ministry has approached the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) to audit all rural development expenditures annually. Speaking in Guwahati, the minister said details on all the proposed audit is likely to be announced by next week. He said, the CAG has been asked to perform special audit in eleven states, including Assam. Mr. Ramesh mentioned that this is absolutely essential for ensuring transparency.

Pointing out that fund availability for rural development was not a constraint; the Minister said accountability and transparency were vital to ensure implementation of the schemes in the right spirit. He also said the Rural Development Ministry annually allocates over one lakh crore rupees for various schemes across the country. The Union Minister said this while addressing a press conference in Guwahati, after winding up his two-day visit to Assam.