BBMPs audit report tabled after 42 years

BANGALORE: The cash trapped Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) held a discussion on audit reports in the council meeting on Wednesday.The council meeting focussed on audit reports, which were not tabled in the last 42 years, to bring financial discipline. The Special Audit Cell, which was formed last year had filed audit objections and recommended to recover Rs 252 from erring officials.JD(S) floor leader Padmanabha Reddy sought to know why the BBMP had not yet recovered Rs 252 crore. He raised objections on involving retired employees in the cell. “It is better to involve the employees who are in service, as they will fear losing jobs if they produce false reports,” he said.Jayamahal councillor N K Gunashekar said that 13 files regarding this issue must be sent back to the Standing Committee for Accounts for re-examination. “When the committee produces a report again, it must include the names of the officials, the amount to be recovered and action taken against them,” he added.Replying to their queries, commissioner Siddaiah claimed that for the first time,  the audit reports had been prepared by the cell after 42 years. He said that the cell had already recovered Rs 5.91 crore from the officials.Speaking on the same occasion, chairperson of Standing Committee for Accounts A N Shivkumar admitted that regular auditing would have prevented misuse and misappropriation of funds. There was no internal audit since 1964. Palike, so far had only statutory audit which failed to give full details. He said that there is need for regular internal audit, pre-audit and post-audit.Shivakumar further said that he has directed the joint commissioner to provide the complete list of officials from whom funds have to be recovered. “If they have retired from service, the BBMP will attach their properties if necessary,” he added.