Performance Audit of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in Punjab (2002-2007)

Abstract

Performance Audit of Integrated Child Development Services in Punjab for the period 2002-03 to 2006097 revealed that the Department failed in the areas of planning, co-ordination and monitoring of the nutrition programme. The funds were drawn in advance of requirements and kept outside Government accounts resulting in loss of interest Rs 7.93 lakh. The reconciliation of expenditure was not done. Expenditure was overstated by Rs 6.90 crore and utilisation certificates for Rs 39.28 crore were not furnished. Material costing Rs 39.47 lakh seized by Vigilance became unfit for human consumption due to its non-utilization within prescribed shelf life. Wheat and rice were not lifted from godowns denying benefit to 604709 beneficiaries. The overall shortfall in coverage of beneficiaries was between 32 and 85 per cent. Monitoring of the scheme was weak.