Following the findings of the Fourth State Finance Commission, that there was failure on the part of Local Bodies to close cash books everyday, the Finance Department has formed mobile squads to conduct surprise checks on cash books of the Local Bodies.
“The surprise checks will be conducted at least in 10 % of the 978 Local Bodies across the state. The report of the surprise checks will submitted on a monthly basis to the heads of the departments concerned. Already mobile squads have been formed and measures put in place to make the local bodies more accountable in utilisation of the fund,” said Jojith Mathew, additional secretary, Finance. The Finance Commission had observed that there was the tendency of not closing cash books every day and in computerised system of not entering receipts and payments daily. The mobile team would comprise Regional Director of Urban Affairs (Corporations and Municipalities), Deputy Directors and Assistant Directors (Grama Panchayats), Assistant Development Commissioners, general (Block Panchayats, District Level Officers of the Finance Inspection Wing (district panchayats).
The Commission also recommended that in a computerised system, daily print out should be attested by the secretary at least for one year and to prescribe proforma vouchers for different categories as appropriate to ensure uniformity. Also, the State Finance Commission Cell will conduct random inspection in LSGs over and above the inspection conducted by the officers designated.
“The surprise checks is envisaged with a plan to streamline the entire cash transactions and fund utilisation taking place in LSGs,” said a Finance Department official.