JOIN USThe Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has indicted Railways for a loss of over Rs 2,483 crore due to booking of iron ore consignments sans essential prescribed documentation.
The CAG report which was tabled in Parliament on Tuesday found lapses at all levels in booking iron ore consignments.
It also pointed out that the penalty of Rs 13,851 crore was due for recovery from iron ore consignors who would get the benefit of the lower rate by availing the domestic rate.
However, Railways administration has acknowledged the freight evasion of only Rs 1,875 crore and has given notices for recovery. The statutory auditor has also pointed out that the recovery of Rs 1,670 crore is due from public sector company — Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited — in case of export of pellests. The audit was done for the period between 2008 to 2012.
The CAG also pointed out that the Railway Board gave no reply when the former brought the matter to its notice.“Thus, the internal control system of the Railways was very weak and has allowed concessional tariff rate for iron ore without fulfilling the conditions governing the grant of a concessional rate,” the CAG observed.
“The lapses occurred at all levels including at the level of booking staff at loading/un-loading points and commercial and accounts officials at the divisional and zonal levels,” it said.