Demand for complete documentation over alleged gaps in implementation
The Dimapur District Congress Committee (DCC) has formally asked the Department of Social Welfare for complete disclosure of records related to the Palna Scheme implemented under Mission Shakti, saying responses to RTI requests were partial and inhibited independent verification of government spending and processes.
In a statement on September 12, the DCC said it reviewed the department's reply and found that while sanction orders and consolidated expenditure statements were supplied, the underlying documents required to reconcile and audit expenses were largely missing.
"Documents supplied were largely consolidated in nature and do not allow for centre-wise independent verification of utilisation of public funds," the committee said, according to the report.
Specific records sought by the DCC
The committee has listed several categories of records it considers necessary to establish proper implementation and accountability. These include detailed bank statements, vouchers and procurement documents that the DCC says were not provided in full.
- Financial transactions: centre-wise and month-wise bank records, payment vouchers, UTR/PFMS details, cash books, ledgers and supporting documents.
- Payments to personnel: worker-wise and month-wise transaction records for Crèche Workers/Helpers and Anganwadi Workers/Helpers to reconcile payments against actual recipients.
- Rent and grant details: centre-wise information on rented premises, identities of landlords, rent or lease agreements, receipts and corresponding bank entries.
- Procurement: supplier details, quotations or tender records, supply orders, invoices, delivery challans, quantities received, stock entries and supplier-payment records.
- Recruitment records: selection proceedings, candidate-wise marks, evaluation records, committee minutes and any documents establishing the recruitment process.
Why the DCC says disclosure is necessary
The DCC referred to central government sanctions for establishment and operationalisation of Anganwadi-cum-Crèches under the Palna Scheme, noting that such sanctions require separate accounts, statements of expenditure, utilisation certificates and records that must be open to audit and inspection. The committee argued that the documents supplied by the department — largely sanction orders and consolidated figures — were insufficient to confirm compliance with those requirements.
On recruitment, the DCC noted a discrepancy between the department's communication that vacancies were advertised and filled through written or oral interviews, and the procedure laid down which, it said, requires a district-level Selection Committee. The committee has sought documents that would clarify whether the prescribed process was followed.
Immediate implications and next steps
By seeking detailed transactional and procedural records, the DCC intends to verify whether funds sanctioned by the Government of India were utilised as intended and whether hiring and procurement complied with rules. The demand, if pursued further, could prompt administrative review or audit if the Social Welfare Department does not furnish the requested documentation.
| Record category | Details requested |
|---|---|
| Financial transactions | Centre- and month-wise bank statements, vouchers, UTR/PFMS, cash books |
| Payments to staff | Worker-wise month-wise transaction records for honourarium and incentives |
| Procurement | Quotations, invoices, delivery challans, stock entries, supplier payments |
| Recruitment | Selection committee minutes, candidate marks, evaluation records |
The DCC's request follows its examination of the Social Welfare Department's RTI response and seeks to ensure transparency in the utilisation of central funds under the Palna Scheme. No comment from the Department of Social Welfare is included in the report.
