Srinagar: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Thursday reviewed audit observations and pending audit paras relating to the Public Works (R&B) Department and ordered a departmental inquiry into one of the cases flagged during the meeting.
The meeting, chaired by PAC Chairman Surjeet Singh Slathia, examined Action Taken Reports (ATRs) on observations contained in reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India and reviewed the status of pending audit paras.
Taking serious note of issues raised in one audit para, the committee directed the department to institute a departmental inquiry to fix responsibility and submit an Action Taken Report within two months.
Slathia stressed financial discipline, transparency and accountability in the execution of public works, saying public funds must be utilised strictly in accordance with prescribed rules and procedures. He also called for proper preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) to minimise procedural deficiencies and future audit objections.
The PAC chairman emphasised environmental responsibility in infrastructure projects and urged senior officers to mentor field-level staff, particularly newly recruited junior engineers, to strengthen adherence to technical and financial procedures.
The committee also called for stronger internal audit and monitoring mechanisms to detect and address procedural and financial irregularities at an early stage.
Members reiterated that transparency, accountability, environmental sustainability, quality and timely execution of works should remain the core priorities of the PWD (R&B) Department.