CAG report points at lapses in Ayushman Bharat and expressway projects

In a democracy, transparency, accountability and effective governance are the cornerstones of a thriving society. However, recent revelations from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report have once again brought to the fore some glaring irregularities plaguing flagship government initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat and major infrastructure projects like expressways. These irregularities not only cast doubts on the efficient utilisation of public funds but also highlight the dire need for robust oversight mechanisms to ensure their successful implementation. The Ayushman Bharat scheme, launched with the noble intention of providing universal health care access to millions of Indians, has been marred by allegations of mismanagement and irregularities. The CAG report red flags inflated the project cost of the Dwarka Expressway, which went up 14 times from the sanctioned Rs18 crore/km to Rs 250 crore/km. A performance audit by the CAG also found several discrepancies in India’s public health assurance scheme Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) that led to crores of rupees in expenditure on ineligible beneficiaries. The faults in the database of AB-PMJAY include invalid names, unrealistic dates of birth, duplicate health IDs and unrealistic family sizes. CAG has raised similar questions on irregularities in the Ayodhya Development Project and the diversion of old-age pension funds under the National Social Assistance Programme for publicity of the Modi government's schemes.

Similarly, the CAG report's scrutiny of expressway projects brings to light discrepancies in project execution and financial management. Expressways are critical arteries for economic growth, connecting remote regions and facilitating faster movement of goods and people. However, the report's revelations of cost overruns, delays and questionable contract awarding processes showcase a lack of due diligence in project planning and implementation. The implications of these irregularities are far-reaching. First and foremost, they erode public confidence in the government's commitment to its promises. The failure to ensure transparency and accountability not only threatens these initiatives' success but also perpetuates scepticism regarding the effectiveness of government policies. Secondly, financial mismanagement and irregularities result in wastage of taxpayer money, diverting resources away from more pressing needs. In a country where basic amenities and social services often remain inadequate, every rupee misspent on inflated claims or inefficient project execution represents a lost opportunity to uplift lives and enhance public welfare. Such financial missteps can have long-lasting repercussions, hindering the nation's progress. Furthermore, the media, civil society and citizens have a pivotal role to play in holding the government accountable for its actions. Public awareness, open discussions and informed debates can push authorities to rectify irregularities and instil a culture of responsiveness.