Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

CAG pulls up Forest Department and KWA

Special Correspondent

Finds improprieties in their information technology initiatives

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Comptroller and Auditor-General of India (CAG) has reported improprieties in the implementation of the management information system of the Forest Department and the computerised billing system of the Kerala Water Authority (KWA), causing loss to the exchequer.

The CAG's report on civil audit for 2005-06, presented in the Assembly on Tuesday, said the Forest Department had implemented two computer applications called forest management information system (FMIS) for the effective management of forestry resources and project finance management system (PFMS) for accounting requirements.

The audit showed that there was undue delay in developing and putting into operation both these programmes. The consultant, who functioned as FMIS manager, was also entrusted with the development of the software for both systems, contrary to the provisions of the contract. As a result of this, after incurring an expenditure of Rs. 62.45 lakh towards remuneration, the department did not benefit from the consultancy for FMIS manager from January 1999 to December 2003.

The department failed to select a firm having adequate exposure in Geographic Information System (GIS) and experience in software development. The FMIS could not be put into full operation so far. Consequently, the hardware procured at Rs. 96.08 lakh for the programme was remaining idle, the report said. "There was no documented policy approved by top management regarding information technology (IT) objective or long-term IT plan. Despite investing Rs.14 crore, constraints remained.

Regarding the programme in the KWA, the report said that computerised billing and revenue collection system was introduced in 1994 without an IT policy or strategy. "Failure to conduct timely review of computerisation had resulted in numerous inaccuracies, inadequacies and inconsistencies, but no attempt was made to remove the drawbacks ... Delayed replacement of faulty meters caused recurring annual loss of Rs. 14.09 crore," the report said.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Opposition members walk out alleging exploitation of Adivasis
Power failure hits water supply
`Environmental education not just a subject'
Students, teachers take to aerobics at MTT College
Catholic bishops plan agitation
`Graft in hiring taxis for VVIPs'
Move to overhaul admission system
CAG pulls up Forest Department and KWA
Veterinary university to be set up
`Revise project guidelines'
Suggestions sought for amendment to scheme
Vijay wows his fans in the city
Project to improve teaching facilities in medical colleges drawn up
No eviction of CHR farmers: Minister
More lessons to learn
Adapting to change
RGCB: Centre's response awaited
Against price rise
Trains to halt at Chirayinkeezh
Extortion: one arrested
Recitation event
Around the City
In Thiruvananthapuram Today

Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu