Major Audit Lapse in Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation Exposed
In a significant revelation that raises serious questions about financial accountability, as many as 483 files pertaining to multi-crore projects of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) have not been submitted for mandatory audit over the past five years. This critical information was obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) application, highlighting a substantial gap in the civic body's audit processes.
Documents Pertaining to Major Infrastructure Works Missing
The undisclosed files cover records of substantial infrastructure projects executed between 2020 and 2025, including:
- Road construction and maintenance works
- Drainage line installations and upgrades
- Water supply network expansions and improvements
Despite contractors receiving crores of rupees in payments upon project completion, the corresponding documentation was never forwarded for the compulsory audit scrutiny required by municipal regulations.
Audit Department's Repeated Efforts Yield No Results
According to the audit department's internal report, these 483 files have been officially categorized as "records not received," effectively blocking any financial audit of the substantial expenditures incurred on these projects. The department is reported to have sent multiple written communications to deputy municipal commissioners across various zones and departments, urgently requesting submission of the relevant documents for proper audit examination.
However, despite these persistent reminders spanning several years, the crucial records have reportedly not been furnished to date, creating a significant transparency void in the AMC's financial operations.
Political and Legal Figures Raise Serious Concerns
Advocate Atik Saiyed, acting president of the Ahmedabad City Congress Minority Department, has strongly criticized this administrative lapse, arguing that it exposes a troubling disconnect between the civic body's public claims of transparency and its actual functioning on the ground.
"From 2020 to 2025, accounts of works worth crores carried out by various AMC departments did not reach the audit department," Saiyed stated. "Repeated communications were sent, yet no action was taken. This raises serious questions about administrative accountability and the proper utilization of public funds."
Saiyed further questioned the rationale behind the prolonged delay in submitting essential records if the infrastructure works had been executed according to established rules and regulations. "We demand that the mayor and the Ahmedabad municipal commissioner conduct a proper investigation into the entire issue and take strict action against the responsible officers," he emphasized.
Broader Implications for Public Trust and Governance
This audit failure represents more than just an administrative oversight—it potentially undermines public confidence in how municipal funds are managed and allocated. The absence of proper audit trails for projects worth crores of rupees creates an environment where financial irregularities could potentially go undetected.
The situation warrants immediate attention from higher authorities to restore transparency and ensure that public funds are being utilized appropriately for the city's development needs.
The missing files span a critical five-year period when Ahmedabad witnessed substantial infrastructure development, making their absence from audit processes particularly concerning for citizens and oversight bodies alike.
