Audit Report 2021-22
Here is the detailed analysis and report on the 2021–22 Audit Report of Arpookara Grama Panchayat (Kottayam District):
📊 1. Financial Summary & Fund Utilization
- Budget vs. Actual Revenue: Against a budgeted expectation of ₹20.08 crore in receipts and ₹24.81 crore in expenditure, actual receipts stood at ₹8.84 crore (including opening balance) and actual expenditure was ₹7.00 crore.
- Annual Plan Implementation: Out of 175 approved projects (total outlay: ₹9.60 crore), only 131 projects were executed, with a total spend of ₹4.75 crore (51%).
- Sectors with Low Expenditure: Fund utilization was notably low under the Fisheries Sub-Inspector (13%), Assistant Engineer (35%), and Secretary (40%).
⚠️ 2. Audit Objections & Disallowances
Due to procedural lapses, implementation defects, and lack of supporting documentation, the audit department raised objections totaling ₹22,58,766 (₹22.58 lakh). Key objections include:
- Thumboormuzhi Building Construction (₹6,19,565): Construction was completed without installing waste processing bins, leaving the facility to be used merely as a plastic waste dumping spot.
- Street Lighting Extension (₹5,26,245): Funds were disbursed to KSEB, but completion certificates and final bills were not submitted.
- Public Toilet Construction (₹4,37,206): Final bills were settled without completing all contracted work; the toilet at the Choorakkavu playground lacks a running water connection.
- 'Take a Break' Rest Center (₹4,20,012): Work remained incomplete past the deadline, as electrification was omitted from the initial estimate.
- Fish Farming (₹98,320): Documentation verifying insurance coverage for fish farming under the Subhiksha Kerala project was missing.
- Undelivered / Unused Equipment & Assets:
- Napkin vending machine and incinerator purchased but left unused (₹47,602).
- Computer printer paid for but not delivered (₹38,859).
- Palliative care equipment not received (₹22,098).
- Valuation details for trees cut down at Thumboormuzhi missing (₹15,000).
- Shortage in medicine stock at the Ayurveda Hospital (₹3,859).
🚨 3. Major Irregularities & Operational Shortfalls
- Staff D.A. Arrears Errors: Miscalculations in DA arrears resulted in excess funds being credited to staff Provident Fund (PF) accounts.
- Revenue Leakage:
- Profession tax was not collected from employees of establishments holding D&O licenses.
- Commercial spaces owned by the Panchayat were operating without valid licenses.
- Total building rent arrears stood at ₹23,68,080, including ₹1,51,462 in current-year defaults.
- LIFE Housing Scheme Accounting: A loan repayment deduction of ₹9.68 lakh made by the government was omitted from the Panchayat's financial books.
- Bank Reconciliation Pending: Bank reconciliation procedures were incomplete from April through November 2022.
- Legal Management: Improper maintenance of the suit register led to uncertainty regarding ongoing court cases and legal fee disbursements.
- Miyawaki Forest Project: Planted saplings withered due to neglect and lack of maintenance.