DBT cell didn’t create adequate IT infra: CAG

Guwahati: A recent CAG report revealed that the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Cell of Assam govt did not create adequate IT infrastructure and robust database for seamless implementation of various central and state govt schemes under the DBT.
The CAG report was laid by parliamentary affairs minister Pijush Hazarika in the assembly on Friday, the last day of the autumn session of the house.
The report also reveals detection of 2,424 cases, where the same beneficiaries had claimed pension in multiple districts under Deen Dayal Divyangjan Pension Scheme, during the period from 2018-19 to 2019-20.
Instances of excess payment being made to duplicate beneficiaries have also been detected by CAG. “Excess payment of Rs 1.90 crore was made to 1,901 beneficiaries under the Deen Dayal Divyangjan Pension Scheme, while 451 students had availed scholarship under Pre-matric Scholarship for ST more than once, resulting in excess payment of Rs 10.22 lakh,” it read.
On the other hand, payment of scholarships for hostel rates was made to students of such schools where there are no hostel facilities. During a test-check of 101 schools, the audit witnessed fraudulent payment of Rs 5.9 hostel facilities in 86 such schools on account of scholarship payments to minority students towards hostel charges.
The report added that in sampled districts, fake payment of scholarships amounting to Rs 2.98 crore was made to 3,158 students, who were not enrolled in schools.