CAG flags major lapses in implementation of rural power scheme in J&K, Ladakh

Srinagar, Dec 24: A performance audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has exposed major lapses in the implementation of the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) in Jammu & Kashmir, including Ladakh.
The audit report tabled in the Parliament recently, reveals that Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh failed to complete 62.62% of its sanctioned work before the scheme’s closure in March 2022.
Audit also observed that 20 States/UTs could not execute the quantum of work ranging between 3.31 per cent and 62.62 per cent till the closure of the scheme. Particularly, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Tripura could not complete 62.62 per cent and 20.72 per cent of their respective sanctioned project costs.
In its response to audit observations, the Union Ministry of Power stated that delay in J&K was due to unexpected events.
“In respect of Jammu & Kashmir, it was stated that delays happened due to unexpected events i.e., issues in tendering, hostile terrain,” the report said.
The Centre had launched the scheme-‘Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana’ (DDUGJY) in December 2014 to provide continuous and reliable electricity supply to rural areas through feeder separation, strengthening of distribution infrastructure, and rural electrification initiatives
DDUGJY guidelines stipulated that in a project, the work was to be completed within 24 months from the date of issue of Letter of Award in case of turnkey contract and within 30 months in case of partial turnkey contract/departmental execution.
The Monitoring Committee overseeing the implementation of DDUJGY, in its 23rd meeting held on December 21, 2021, instructed state distribution companies (DISCOMs) to take up only those works that could be completed by December 31, 2021.
It was also conveyed that works executed beyond December 31, 2021 shall not be funded under the scheme. (KNO)