NEW DELHI: Based on the CAG’s audit findings of Rs 5,700 crore irregularities in the implementation of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) scheme in Uttar Pradesh (UP) between 2005 to 2011, the CBI will register fresh cases to fix criminal responsibilities.
The multi-crore NRHM scam had kicked up a major row in UP politics as it emerged on the eve of the state assembly elections. And several of the state’s politicians and bureaucrats were believed to be involved in the scam.
Following the CAG’s submission of its audit report to the UP Governor on Friday, the CBI is now waiting for the findings to be made public. According to the CBI sources, the audit report will help them to widen the scope of the investigation, as it involves money spent in 72 districts. All instances of the irregularities pointed out in the report would be investigated to fix criminal responsibilities.
The audit report alleged that funds totalling over `5,700 crore, which were shown as having been spent on the scheme from 2005 to 2011, remained unaccounted for. Even the money spent on purchase of several items was done in violation of the CVC (Central Vigilance Commission) norms and guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court.
The report also cited several examples of misuse of the funds, as the primary health care centres were built and later used to store potatoes. Similarly, eye care centres were constructed, but were used as grain godowns. Nearly, 550 health centres, with a total outlay of Rs 51 crore, were never built, the report alleged.
The CBI, which began its probe last year, had registered eight cases. And several politicians and bureaucrats were arrested later, for siphoning off funds allocated under the project.