NEW DELHI: The CAG today noted that deficiencies in scheme guidelines, lack of planning and irregularities in disbursement of funds had led to delays in payment of scholarships.
Disbursement of scholarships to 18.58 lakh Schedule Caste students under the Post Matric Scholarship scheme was delayed between one to six years in Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh, the apex auditor said in a report.
The report titled ‘Performance Audit of Scheme of Post Matric Scholarships to the Students belonging to Scheduled Castes for studies in India in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh’ was tabled in Parliament today.
It said the guidelines did not contain any provision for monitoring and evaluation, which are essential for decision-makers to realistically evaluate the progress of the scheme and identify impediments to its efficient implementation.
There were persistent short releases of funds by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment resulting in accumulation of arrears amounting to Rs 5,368 crore (71 per cent) pertaining to the five selected states, the report said. (AGENCIES)
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