HT Digital,
Guwahati , 03 Nov: A fresh wave of criticism has gripped Assam after revelations showed that 50 state departments have allegedly failed to submit mandatory Utilisation Certificates for a massive ₹18,669 crore released for development schemes and welfare projects. The lapse has raised serious questions over accountability and the handling of public money, especially as missing UCs can halt future central funding.
According to reports, the unsubmitted certificates relate to funds meant for key sectors ranging from infrastructure upgrades to social welfare programmes. Without UCs, the state cannot confirm whether the allotted money was actually used for its intended purpose, sparking growing public concern over financial transparency.
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The Comptroller and Auditor General had earlier warned the commissioner and secretary of the Finance Department to ensure compliance at the earliest. However, the directive appears to have had little impact, with several major departments still unable to provide proof of expenditure.
The Finance Department tops the list with pending UCs worth ₹2,986 crore, while the Education Department has failed to account for ₹1,902 crore, reportedly with “no practical evidence” of usage. The BTR Tribal Welfare Department has not furnished certificates for ₹1,721 crore, followed by the Social Welfare Department at ₹1,358 crore. Panchayat and Rural Development has pending UCs for ₹1,179 crore.
In addition, 37 departments have yet to submit District-wise Consolidated Certificates amounting to ₹748 crore. Another ₹2,172 crore was allegedly spent outside the sanctioned budget under the claim of debt repayment, adding to the growing list of financial discrepancies.
With pressure building and scrutiny intensifying, financial experts believe stricter audits may be initiated soon. Whether the state government defends its position or moves to fix the widening gaps in financial reporting will be closely watched in the coming days.
