KARACHI: In accordance with Article 84 of the Audit code, it is an essential function of the Audit to bring to light not only cases of clear irregularities but every matter which in its judgment appears to involve improper expenditure or waste of public money or stores, even though the accounts may be in order.

According to informed sources just five different heads of the NICVD, there were misappropriations of more than Rs.894.435 million discovered.   

As per details during the audit on the accounts of the Executive Director, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Karachi for the financial year 2020-21, it was observed that payment amounting to Rs.735.174 million was made on account of various inadmissible allowances to the employees of the NICVD, at exorbitant rates and without the approval of the Finance Department in violation of the NICVD Act, 2014.

The audit was of the view that the government sustained huge financial loss due to the payment of inadmissible allowances which indicates the prevalence of financial indiscipline within the formation. The audit recommended expeditious recovery besides investigation of the matter for fixing responsibility against the person(s) at fault.

On the other hand, it was observed that payment amounting to Rs.149.697 million on account of non-practicing allowance (Full-time Allowance) was made to various doctors from BPS-18 to BPS-20. The audit was of the view that the government sustained loss due to the payment of inadmissible allowances which indicated the prevalence of weak internal controls within the department. The matter was pointed out to the management but no reply was received.

The audit recommended that Expeditious recovery of excess payment made as a full-time allowance under intimation to audit. It was also observed that an amount of Rs.9.086 million was disbursed on account of Health Professional Allowance in excess of the approved ceiling rates of the allowances. The audit was of the view that the management has extended undue favor to the few and non-recovery of excess payments/ outstanding dues indicated a lack of internal controls which had resulted in an adverse financial impact on the Government kitty. The matter was pointed out to the management but no reply was received.

The audit recommended immediate recovery along with re-fixation of the allowance under intimation to audit. During the audit, it was observed that an amount of Rs.296,724 was disbursed to various employees under the head of an account “AD-HOC Allow. W.e.f. 01-07-2013” in violation of the notification. The audit was of the view that the government sustained loss due to the payment of inadmissible allowances which indicated the prevalence of weak internal controls within the department.

The matter was pointed out to the management but no reply was received. The audit recommended discontinuing the said allowance along with recovery from the quarter concerned.  Similarly, it was observed that an amount of Rs.182,148 was disbursed on account of Conveyance and House Rent Allowance of 45% in excess of the approved ceiling rates of the allowances. The audit was of the view that the management has extended undue favor to the few and non-recovery of excess payments/ outstanding dues indicated a lack of internal controls which had resulted in an adverse financial impact on the Government kitty. The matter was pointed out to the management but no reply was received. The audit recommended recovery of the excess amount paid to the concerned employees against the said allowances.  

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 01 2022

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.