CAG Reports in Delhi Pending Hearing or Action
As of March 2, 2025, several CAG reports related to the Delhi government have been a focal point of political and legal contention. These reports, prepared by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, audit various aspects of the Delhi government’s performance and financial management. Below is a breakdown of the key CAG reports that were recently pending action or hearing, based on available information up to this date:
Background and Status
• Number of Reports: A total of 14 CAG reports have been identified as pending with the Delhi government for an extended period (some for 300–500 days or more). These were submitted to the Delhi government between 2022 and 2024 but were not tabled in the Assembly during the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s tenure.
• Recent Development: Following the formation of a new Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Delhi after the February 2025 elections, these reports began to be tabled in the Delhi Assembly. The first session of the new Assembly started on February 24, 2025, with a commitment to table these reports starting February 25, 2025.
• Court Involvement: Prior to tabling, the Delhi High Court was involved in addressing delays, with BJP MLAs filing petitions to compel the AAP government to present these reports. The court criticized the AAP government in January 2025 for delays, and a hearing was scheduled for December 9, 2024, though some reports were forwarded to the Lieutenant Governor (LG) just before or after this date to avoid adverse court orders.
Specific CAG Reports Pending Hearing or Discussion
The following are the 14 CAG reports that were pending action and have either been recently tabled or are in the process of being addressed as of March 2, 2025. While some have been tabled in the Assembly by now, their full discussion or referral to committees like the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) might still be pending:
1. State Finances Audit Report (Year Ended March 31, 2021)
• Focuses on the financial health and expenditure of the Delhi government.
• Status: Tabled or scheduled for tabling in February 2025.
2. Revenue, Economic, Social and General Sectors and PSUs (Years Ended March 31, 2020, and 2021)
• Audits revenue collection and performance of public sector undertakings.
• Status: Part of the 14 reports being tabled.
3. Performance Audit of Prevention and Mitigation of Vehicular Air Pollution in Delhi (Year Ended March 31, 2021)
• Examines efforts to combat Delhi’s air pollution crisis.
• Status: Tabled or pending detailed Assembly discussion.
4. Performance Audit of Children in Need of Care and Protection (Year Ended March 31, 2021)
• Assesses welfare programs for vulnerable children.
• Status: Recently tabled.
5. State Finances Audit Report (Year Ended March 31, 2022)
• One of the oldest pending reports, delayed over 500 days as of late 2024.
• Status: Tabled on February 25, 2025, or shortly after.
6. Performance Audit on Liquor Supply in Delhi (2017-18 to 2021-22)
• Covers the controversial Delhi excise policy, alleging a Rs 2,000 crore loss to the government due to irregularities.
• Status: Tabled on February 25, 2025, amid significant political debate.
7. State Finances Audit Report (Year Ended March 31, 2023)
• Another financial audit report delayed significantly.
• Status: Tabled or scheduled.
8. Performance Audit on Public Health Infrastructure and Management of Health Services
• Reviews the AAP’s health model, including Mohalla Clinics, noting only 28% budget utilization and operational issues.
• Status: Tabled or pending further discussion.
9. Performance Audit Report on Functioning of Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) (Year Ended March 31, 2022)
• Assesses DTC’s operational efficiency and financial management.
• Status: Tabled recently.
10. Performance Audit Report (Year Ended March 31, 2022)
• General performance audit across sectors.
• Status: Part of the batch being tabled.
11. Audit on Renovation of the Chief Minister’s Residence (“Sheesh Mahal”)
• Highlights cost escalation from Rs 7.61 crore to Rs 33.66 crore, alleging irregularities.
• Status: Tabled or scheduled, highly contentious.
12–14. Additional Reports on State Undertakings, Pollution, and Other Sectors- Specific titles are less detailed in public sources but include audits on public sector units, appropriation accounts, and social/general sectors.- Status: Being tabled progressively in the Assembly session extended to March 1, 2025.
Current Context (March 2, 2025)
• Assembly Action: As of February 25, 2025, at least one report (on the liquor policy) was tabled, with others scheduled during the session extended to March 1, 2025. By March 2, most, if not all, of the 14 reports are likely tabled, though detailed hearings or committee reviews may still be pending.
• Court Hearings: The Delhi High Court’s involvement peaked in late 2024 and early 2025, with hearings on December 9, 2024, January 13, 2025, and a scheduled hearing on January 16, 2025. A separate plea for public disclosure before elections was denied on February 3, 2025. As of March 2, with reports now tabled, court cases may shift focus to procedural reviews or outcomes of Assembly discussions.
• Political Implications: The BJP has leveraged these reports to criticize the AAP, while the AAP has countered by alleging bias or defending its record. The tabling process has included suspensions of AAP MLAs for disruptions, indicating ongoing contention.
As of March 2, 2025, the 14 CAG reports pending hearing or action in Delhi primarily revolve around financial audits, health, transport, pollution, liquor policy, and the CM’s residence renovation. While many have been tabled in the Assembly since February 25, 2025, their full discussion, legal scrutiny, or referral to oversight committees might still be in progress.