Jharkhand owes ₹6,492.45 crore in revenue arrears, CAG finds

This audit examined the compliance of revenue collection and administration by the Government of Jharkhand, specifically focusing on the Transport Department and the Excise and Prohibition Department for the financial year ended 31 March 2024.

Who it concerns: Government of Jharkhand (Transport Department and Excise and Prohibition Department)

What the auditor found

• Total revenue arrears as of 31 March 2024 amounted to ₹6,492.45 crore across three principal heads.
• ₹5,520.03 crore of the total arrears had been outstanding for more than five years.
• The largest portion of arrears (₹5,760.10 crore) was under 'Taxes on Sales, Trade etc.'
• CAG noted that departments did not furnish reasons for significant variations in non-tax revenue despite requests.
• CAG observed that 10,987 audit paragraphs from previous years (2008-09 to 2023-24) remained outstanding as of March 2024.

Also in the document

• CAG reported that 53% of the State Government's total revenue receipts in 2023-24 came from the Government of India, with the State raising only 47%.
• CAG highlighted that a significant portion of revenue arrears (₹5,520.03 crore) has been pending for over five years, indicating long-standing collection issues.
• CAG noted that the position of arrears for other revenue heads was not furnished by the departments despite active pursuance by the Audit.