THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The local fund audit department has recommended a detailed probe by the chief technical examiner into the expenses on mega sports infrastructure projects like the green field stadium associated with the 35th National Games.
The department, which completed the auditing last week, has submitted a detailed report to the finance secretary. The report is likely to be discussed in the next cabinet meeting and a decision on further probe by the CTE will be taken thereafter.
Though the cabinet in February had directed the department to finish the auditing of expenses worth Rs 750 core within 45 days, it managed to complete only half the task.
Last month, the department sought one-month extension. But despite it, the team could audit only Rs 450- crore worth expenses.
Sources said the pending work pertained mainly to huge projects like green field stadium. “We have limitations in auditing the expenses incurred on huge projects. Since a lot of technicalities are involved in such projects, we have called for inspection by experts. Moreover, some of the works related to these projects were still continuing,” said a department official.
Sources said several irregularities and discrepancies have been detected during the preliminary auditing and these needed to be probed further.
They include the quality of work, defects in the buildings, ceilings, rain water harvesting methods, drainage system and electrical fittings and floors.
The department had examined nearly 1,000- odd payments and verified loads of supportive documents. The entire exercise was carried out by a team comprising 20 auditors.
Besides accounts statement, the auditors examined vouchers, expenditure heads, files, government orders, tender documents, administrative sanction, transparency, work measurement, execution and final payment as per agreement and also whether deadlines were met.
The teams also visited sites for physical verification of infrastructure facilities across the state.
