Crores collected for workers' welfare remain unspent: CAG slams UT admn

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has, in its report tabled in Parliament on Friday, slammed the Chandigarh administration for its failure to utilise over Rs 28 crore that it collected from 2010 to 2013 for the welfare of construction workers.

The money was the proceeds from the government, public-sector undertakings and private contractors, collected as labour cess levied on projects.

It was in 2008 that the UT administration constituted the Chandigarh Building and Other Construction Workers' Welfare Board. All that the board utilised out of its funds since 2010 was Rs 62.79 lakh, just 2.17% of its proceeds. Further, Rs 23.07 lakh was used for administrative expenses.

The CAG report observed that the major portion of Rs 62.79 lakh had gone into the purchase of an ambulance van and mobile dispensary, and distribution of blankets and pressure cookers.

The board accepted that no survey had been conducted to find the actual number of workers - potential beneficiaries - in December 2012. The CAG reported the matter to the Chandigarh administration in August 2012, and also to the central government in February 2013, but their replies were awaited.