Irregularities in PM Awaas allocation revealed by auditors in Bihar

Auditors in Bihar have uncovered discrepancies in the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), as disclosed in a recent 'performance audit' report. The audit, conducted in 10 districts, highlights issues such as the allocation of benefits to deceased individuals, improper payment of instalments to ineligible beneficiaries, and disbursement of full assistance for non-existent houses.

Additionally, the audit identified problems like unrealistic geo-tagging of house locations and erroneous payment of instalments into incorrect accounts. Bihar Rural Development Minister Sharvan Kumar acknowledged these irregularities, categorizing them as old cases.

 The audit, performed by teams from the accountant general (AG-Bihar), revealed alarming lapses in the PMAY-G scheme. Instances of benefits being granted to deceased persons, payments made to ineligible beneficiaries, and full assistance disbursed for non-existent houses were identified. Furthermore, discrepancies included unrealistic geo-tagging and payments directed into the wrong accounts.

State Rural Development Department Secretary N Saravana Kumar has issued a letter to deputy development commissioners and relevant officers, urging strict adherence to the Centre's guidelines for PMAY-G implementation.

The minister issued directives to officials to ensure adherence to the guidelines for PMAY-G implementation in the state. Despite acknowledging the discrepancies, Kumar also claimed that the 'Mahagathbandhan government, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, maintains a "zero tolerance against corruption."