MoE asks CAG for special audit of PM Poshan scheme implementation in WB

The Ministry of Education has asked the office of the Comptroller General and Auditor General (CAG) for a special review of the implementation of the PM Poshan scheme in the state after learning of reports of suspected financial mismanagement in West Bengal under the scheme. A special audit of the PM Poshan program was requested for the last three fiscal years.

According to the Ministry of Education, the audit would include a compliance, performance and financial audit.

According to the ministry's statement, media reports documented cases of deviations from the implementation of the plan. “O/o CAG is empowered to conduct this audit in accordance with the Audit and Accounts (Amendment) Regulations 2020 in accordance with section 23 of the Comptroller and Auditor General (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971 (Act No. 56 of 1971),” it read.

The PM Poshan program is administered by the Ministry of School Education and Literacy. Funds are provided to states under this program based on state proposals to provide one hot cooked lunch to eligible students in classes 1 to 8 and Balvatika. About 11.80 million children in the country attend 11.20 lakh government-run and government-aided schools as a result of the PM Poshan scheme.

As per the plan, the northeastern states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand get 90:10 funding for the scheme, while the Union government and states and UTs with legislation will share most of the components, including cooking costs, 60:40 each. The Center is fully responsible for the cost of food grains.