CAG finds 44% of MGNREGA staff posts vacant in Bihar

This audit examined the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in Bihar from 2019-20 to 2023-24, and the construction of embankments by the Water Resources Department, along with compliance issues in other departments for the period ended March 2024.

Government of Bihar, specifically the Rural Development Department, Water Resources Department, Building Construction Department, Education Department, SC & ST Welfare Department, and Rural Works Department.

• MGNREGA: 44% of sanctioned posts (6,086) were vacant as of November 2024.
• MGNREGA: ₹36.22 crore in unadjusted advances lying with agencies for over five years.
• MGNREGA: ₹6.95 crore in royalty and tax deducted from suppliers but not deposited to government accounts.
• MGNREGA: ₹735.10 crore in worker wages paid with delays of 16 to 90+ days.
• MGNREGA: 63% of works (76.27 lakh) remained ongoing/incomplete as of November 2024.
• MGNREGA: 96% of audit observations from social audits remained pending for settlement.
• Water Resources: None of the seven sampled embankment schemes were complete as of December 2024, despite ₹247.80 crore expenditure.
• Water Resources: Schemes delayed by up to 16 years due to land availability issues.
• Recommendations: Conduct baseline surveys, prepare District Perspective Plans, fill vacant Ombudsman posts, and conduct social audits at prescribed frequencies.

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