NEW DELHI: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has pulled up the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for weak internal audit systems in their missions abroad to keep a tab on inordinate delays in acquisitions of property and financial mismanagement.
PAC also sought punitive action against the officials responsible for the delays/ negligence causing avoidable losses. In a detailed examination the Committee had found certain shortcomings on the part of the MEA like not maintaining even basic records of the properties, delays in construction on acquired properties ranging between 14 and 51 years, significant delays in identifying properties and finalising deals. The delays in acquisition of properties have cost the exchequers `280 crore per year spent on rentals.
The Indian Missions in Vancouver, Houston, Eol Panama City and Eol Chile also spent money more in maintenance and repair of GoI properties. “The Ministry has not responded to the recommendation regarding strengthening of the internal audit system to ensure that accounts and records are properly maintained,” the panel headed by KV Thomas said. The committee has also asked the Ministry to get in touch with professional agencies for expediting the identification, acquisition, development and maintenance of properties in a more “scientific, professional and structured manner”.
The Ministry has gone ahead to acquire a French Government property for setting up India Cultural Centre at Paris even though architects and consultants questioned its suitability as the building neither had two exits nor enough provision for assembly of at least 100 people as required by French regulations. The property purchased for Rs 30.03 crore in March 2011 has been lying unutilised since then.