CAG Reports confirm Rs 4,713 cr Loss for Odisha in 2013-14

Two CAG reports tabled in Odisha Assembly today, has completely exposed the Naveen Patnaik led BJD Government in the state, citing large-scale irregularities in various projects and implementation of schemes. The government lost Rs 4,713 crore revenue in 2013-14, owing to wrong economic policies and lack of transparency in collecting taxes.

It has been alleged for long that most of the buses and commercial vehicles are owned and controlled by influential politicians in Odisha. The CAG report confirmed that at least 1,20,939 buses were granted clearance and fitness certificates without checking pollution report. In addition, 164 school buses and 10,541 auto-rickshaws did not undergo fitness test, putting lives of passengers and school children at risk.

The state government miserably failed in collecting sales tax, motor vehicle tax, excise duty, stamp duty, VAT, Goods and Services Tax (GST). Crores of rupees were not collected from the businessmen towards VAT receipts. The government incurred heavy losses in motor vehicle tax and stamp duty.

While the CAG reports put total revenue loss at Rs 4,713 crore, the Odisha Govenmnet has admitted irregularities ito the tunes of Rs 2,379 crore.

Key Findings in CAG Reports:

* 1,20,939 buses were granted clearance and fitness certificates without checking pollution report
* 164 school buses, 10,541 auto-rickshaws did not undergo fitness test, putting lives of passengers and school children at risk
* Rs 4,713 crore loss in Revenue
* Rs 33 crore not collected from MCL for illegal coal mining
* Heavy Loss in Motor Vehicle Tax and Stamp Duty
* Crores of Rupees not collected from Businessmen towards VAT
* Rs 158 crore wasted on clean drinking water project in Puri due to lack of coordination between the departments
* Rs 8 crore Royalty loss in Chrome Ore
* No proper monitoring of projects under MPLAD Fund
* Severe irregularities found in at least 10 Mega schemes sponsored by Centre and state government
* BDA approved construction of buildings in an area of 6,70,532 sq ft area without verifying the quality of land
* 11,552 children of the state including 8246 girls, who have gone on missing from 2009-13.