TV
Odisha has incurred a revenue loss of 8.47 crore due to the irregularities by the Puri collector during the financial year from 2017-18 to 2020-21, found Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG).
The CAG report was tabled in Odisha Assembly by Chief Minister Mohan Majhi on Wednesday.
“Audit observed that the Collector, Puri, despite being aware (17 June 2020) of the fact that the land had been requisitioned for establishment of an educational institution, which, as per the clarification of the RDM Department of July 2008, did not merit grant of concession, sanctioned (26 June 2020) the lease, in favour of IDCO, at the concessional rate, as recommended by the Tehsildar and Sub-Collector. Subsequently, IDCO allotted (January 2021) the land in favour of the Regional Director, DAV Institution, Odisha Zone I, Bhubaneswar,” the report stated.
“Thus, Government land, intended for industrial purposes, was leased out to IDCO, at concessional rates, without identifying and verifying the end user details, for eventual transfer, for establishment of a stand-alone educational institution, which was not eligible for availing of such a concession. As a result, Government sustained revenue loss of ₹ 8.47 crore,” it added.
Similarly, as per the CAG report, revenue amounting to Rs 10.35 crore could not be collected due to Bangiriposi Tehsildar.
“In three stone quarries viz., Mundhabani Stone Quarry, Mundhabani Stone Quarry-II and Kumbharmundhakata Stone Quarry-II under Bangiriposi Tehsil of Mayurbhanj district, Government dues, amounting to ₹ 10.35 crore towards royalty and other dues, had not been realised from the leaseholders, even after expiry of the lease period. On this being pointed out in audit, a sum of ₹ 3.47 crore had been recovered from the leaseholder of Mundhabani Stone Quarry,” stated the report.
