Delhi's CAG Report Unveiled: A Deep Dive into the Capital's Financial Oversight

In a significant move, the Delhi Legislative Assembly recently tabled 14 reports from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), shedding light on the financial and administrative operations of the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. These reports, presented during the assembly session on February 25, 2025, have ignited intense debates and discussions among political parties and the public alike.

Key Highlights from the CAG Reports

1. The Controversial Excise Policy

One of the most debated reports centers on the now-scrapped 2021-22 excise policy. The CAG audit, covering the period from 2017 to 2021, highlighted significant irregularities in the policy's implementation:

• Revenue Losses: The Delhi government reportedly incurred losses exceeding ₹2,000 crore due to a weak policy framework and deficient implementation.

• Licensing Lapses: The report pointed out violations in the licensing process, including the failure to re-tender surrendered licenses and the granting of excessive discounts and fee waivers.

In response to these findings, the assembly has referred the report to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for a detailed probe, with a mandate to submit its findings within three months.

2. Administrative and Financial Oversight

Beyond the excise policy, the CAG reports delved into various sectors, evaluating the performance and financial prudence of the previous administration:

• Delayed Projects: Several infrastructure projects faced significant delays, leading to cost overruns and public inconvenience.

• Public Welfare Schemes: Audits revealed discrepancies in the allocation and utilization of funds meant for public welfare, suggesting potential mismanagement.

• Regulatory Oversight: The reports highlighted lapses in regulatory mechanisms across departments, raising concerns about governance and accountability.

Political Repercussions and Debates

The tabling of these reports has intensified the political tussle between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and AAP:

• BJP's Stance: The current BJP-led government, under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has criticized the previous administration for alleged financial mismanagement. Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra stated, "This report should have been presented in the Delhi Vidhan Sabha long ago... Kejriwal and his people suppressed this report and kept it hidden."

• AAP's Defense: Leader of Opposition Atishi countered by highlighting that the AAP had previously exposed corruption in the old excise policy, suggesting that the current findings are being politicized.

The assembly sessions have witnessed heated exchanges, with AAP leaders protesting and alleging that the BJP government removed portraits of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Bhagat Singh from government offices—a claim leading to the suspension of 22 AAP MLAs for disrupting proceedings.

The Road Ahead

With the PAC set to investigate the excise policy report, the coming months are crucial for Delhi's political and administrative landscape. The outcomes of these probes will not only impact governance but also influence public perception ahead of future elections.

For those interested in a more in-depth understanding, the Delhi Assembly session discussing the CAG report is available for viewing:

As the situation unfolds, stakeholders and citizens alike await the findings, hoping for enhanced transparency and accountability in Delhi's governance.