CAG reports financial irregularities in Meghalaya and Mizoram

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has identified significant financial irregularities in the states of Meghalaya and Mizoram.

In Meghalaya, the CAG reported that Rs 815.14 crore was spent during 2024-25 without legal authority, lacking budget provisions or reappropriation orders. The majority of this expenditure, totaling Rs 693.50 crore, was related to the administration of public debts. Other unauthorized spending included Rs 111.85 crore for roads and bridges and Rs 8.98 crore for agriculture. The state government responded that much of this expenditure, particularly regarding salaries, was committed and unavoidable, promising more realistic budgeting in the future.

In Mizoram, the CAG flagged the suspected misappropriation of Rs 9.19 crore from the Green India Mission (GIM) in the Kolasib district. The audit revealed that funds intended for 12 Village Forest Development Committees were instead withdrawn in cash by the Forest Development Agency (FDA) in March 2023. There is no documentary evidence that the Rs 9.07 crore earmarked for village committees was ever transferred, and the utilization of Rs 12 lakh meant for office expenses remains unaccounted for. The CAG has recommended a government investigation into the matter.