CAG Uncovers Duplicate Payments in Amphan Relief
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has released a report detailing significant irregularities in the distribution of relief funds for Cyclone Amphan in West Bengal. The report highlights that house-building grants were credited more than once to the bank accounts of 9,226 beneficiaries, involving a total sum of Rs 18.07 crore. This duplication of payments represents a serious lapse in the state government's financial management of disaster relief.
Details of the Irregularities
According to the CAG report, the duplicate credits occurred due to lack of proper verification and reconciliation of beneficiary lists. The state government had released funds for reconstruction of houses damaged by Cyclone Amphan, which struck West Bengal in May 2020, causing widespread destruction. The report states that multiple payments were made to the same individuals without any cross-checking, leading to an excess outflow of Rs 18.07 crore. The CAG has recommended a thorough investigation and recovery of the amounts.
Impact on Relief Efforts
The irregularities raise questions about the effectiveness of the relief distribution mechanism. Cyclone Amphan affected millions of people in the state, and the housing reconstruction scheme was a critical component of the recovery process. The CAG's findings indicate that while some beneficiaries received more than their due, others may have been left out. The state government has been asked to submit a compliance report on the recovery of the excess payments and to strengthen internal controls to prevent such occurrences in future relief operations.
