Punjab Newsline | Shimla
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has raised serious concerns over the use of MGNREGA funds for the construction of Panchvati Parks in Himachal Pradesh. According to the CAG's 2023-24 audit report, ₹15.75 crore was spent on developing 180 parks across the state under the Panchvati scheme, with ₹4.41 crore of the expenditure termed invalid.
The audit found that Panchvati Parks were not included in the list of works approved under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Despite this, the projects were executed using MGNREGA funds without obtaining prior approval or any exemption from the Union Ministry of Rural Development.
The report also questioned the use of central scheme funds for a state-priority initiative. The Panchvati scheme was launched to improve facilities for senior citizens in rural areas by developing parks equipped with walking tracks, seating arrangements, open gyms, green spaces, and medicinal plants.
While acknowledging the public welfare objective of the scheme, the CAG objected to the manner in which MGNREGA funds were utilized. The audit further raised concerns over how district and state authorities approved the release of funds for works that were not part of the scheme's approved list.
The findings have sparked questions over financial oversight, administrative accountability, and compliance with central government guidelines in the implementation of development projects in the state.
