L-G writes to CM over non-laying of CAG reports in Assembly
Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) VK Saxena on Friday wrote a letter to Chief Minister Atishi expressing concern over the delay in tabling the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports in the Assembly. He accused the AAP government of deliberately withholding the reports to avoid public scrutiny.
The L-G said it was the constitutional obligation to table the reports, calling the omission a “gross Constitutional impropriety”.
In a strongly worded letter, Saxena said the CAG office had sent several reminders, urging prompt action.
Fourteen CAG reports, including reports on prevention and mitigation of vehicular air pollution in Delhi, regulation and supply of liquor in Delhi and public health infrastructure and management of health services, have not been tabled in the Assembly.
“You are also personally holding the portfolio of Finance Department and I am sure you are conscious of your Constitutional obligation,” his letter read.
Pending reports
State Finances Audit Report-2021
Performance Audit on Prevention and Mitigation of Vehicular Air Pollution in Delhi-2021
Revenue, Economic, Social and General Sectors and PSUs-2020, 2021
Finance Accounts-2021-22
Appropriation Accounts-2021-22
Performance Audit Report on Children in Need of Care and Protection-2018-19 to 2020-21
State Finances Audit Report-2022
Finance Accounts-2022-23
Appropriation Accounts-2022-23
Performance Audit on Regulation and Supply of Liquor in Delhi-2017-18 to 2021-22
State Finances Audit Report-2023
Public Health Infrastructure and Management of Health Services-2023
Report on Performance Audit of GNCTD for 2021-22
Report on Audit of Delhi Transport Corporation for 2022-23
Referring to Article 151 of the Constitution and the Government of NCT of Delhi Act, 1991, Saxena reminded the Delhi Government of its duty to present these reports for public scrutiny. “The CAG is mandated not only to ensure financial propriety but also to evaluate the efficacy of public expenditure. By not adhering to this constitutional norm, the government is avoiding disclosure and public scrutiny of its performance,” the letter stated.
The L-G highlighted repeated efforts to resolve the issue, mentioning communications with Atishi’s predecessor, former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, as well as with Speaker Ram Niwas Goel.
“Even as the Assembly reconvenes today, presumably for the last time before the elections, the agenda and the list of businesses so far do not reflect the laying/tabling of CAG reports pertaining to government departments,” he said.
Saxena criticised the AAP government for failing to uphold transparency and accountability — principles that were central to the party’s electoral promises. “It pains me to write this to a government which won popular mandate on the plank of transparency in governance,” he remarked.
“It is ironic that the same government is shying away from giving an account of its performance and expenditure before the august Assembly,” he added.
He expressed hope that she would act in the interest of public trust and accountability.
“You are an accomplished public leader with a stellar record of academic qualifications. I am sanguine that you shall heed to my counsel and uphold public trust during the ongoing session of the Assembly,” Saxena’s letter concluded.
