Cabinet approves formation of team for regular audit of schemes

RANCHI: The state cabinet on Tuesday approved a proposal to set up a social audit directorate for periodic auditing of several social schemes that are being implemented in Jharkhand. Cabinet secretary (additional charge) SKG Rahate said the directorate will conduct auditing of social schemes at periodic intervals.

The Raghubar Das cabinet sanctioned a special audit of the ongoing open defecation-free drive (ODF). "Over 1,500 villages across Ramgarh, Koderma and Lohardaga, which have been declared ODF, will be audited. Over 7,000 revenue villages and 47 blocks, where the drive is under way, will also be audited," Rahate told media persons outside Project Building here after the meeting. He added, "The audit cell of the rural development department has been tasked with the job." The 11-member cabinet also gave its approval to the creation of administrative posts for the upcoming Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University in Ranchi, which will be established by upgrading the present-day Ranchi College. Eight administrative posts, including that of the vice-chancellor, two pro-vice-chancellors and a controller of examinations, were approved and sanctioned. The Das cabinet also sanctioned a 1% raise in the dearness allowances of state government employees under the recommendations made by the seventh pay commission earlier this year. Rahate said the raise will be effective from July 2017. The DA will now be 5% of the basic salary. Sources said the raise will cost Jharkhand government an additional Rs 107 crore every year. The cabinet also sanctioned a Rs 39.25 crore project for infrastructure development of the seventh phase of Adityapur Industrial area in Seraikela-Kharsawan district. The new phase will be leased out to micro, medium and small enterprises.