The National Commission for Minorities did not adhere to the National Commission for Minorities Act under which it has been established. This was pointed out by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) in its audit report for the year 2009-10.
The CAG stated this in its reply to an RTI application filed by rights activist Radhakanta Tripathy.
The applicant sought information from the CAG regarding the major irregularities mentioned in the audit report of the NCM during the last five years.
For the year 2010-11, the CAG observed delay in disposal of complaint cases and monitoring of studies pertaining to minority rights. It also pointed out irregularities in the appointment of administrative officer and irregular payments of medi-claim amounting to Rs 4.18 lakh.
In its report for the year 2009-10, the apex audit body observed that the NCM does not adhere to the NCM Act and there was under performance of the NCM. There was an irregular grant of higher fee to the legal consultants and irregular grant of various allowances to co-terminus staff.
The annual report of the NCM was not placed before both the Houses of the Parliament in the year 2008-09. There were excess payments and non-deduction of TDS and irregular payment of service tax during this year.
There was irregular appointment of co-terminus staff and personal staff by members during the year 2007-08. This year also the annual report was not placed before both the Houses of the Parliament. There was over payment of transport allowance and irregularities in adjustments of medical bills, the CAG audit report stated.
During the year 2006-07 there was absence from three consecutive meetings by the members and irregular appointment of personal staff by members. There was unrealistic budget estimate for this year.
There was irregular appointment of co-terminus staff also during this year. There was excess consumption of petrol and non-adjustment of LTC advance of Rs 74,586 during this year. There were certain irregularities pertaining to the library and vehicles of the NCM, the CAG stated.