THE JOINT DIRECTOR OF KERALA, STATE AUDIT TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD AUDIT Vs. THE SECRETARY, TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD NANTHENCODE, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This matter pertains to the outcome of the supplementary audit conducted by the Kerala State Audit Department pursuant to the order dated 30.09.2015 in DBA No. 2 of 2010. This was of course after considering the audit report in respect of the Ettumanoor Master Plan which was the subject matter of DBAR No. 15/2013. The defects noted by the audit team are under para 4 and 6. The main defects noted under Para 4 are extracted below for convenience of reference :

(2.) On filing reply by the Devaswom Board, remarks were offered on behalf of the Deputy Director of the Kerala Audit Department. There are further remarks as well as further replies. After considering the entire materials on record, the learned Ombudsman, with reference to the proceedings so far, has submitted the final report dated 04.12.2017 dealing with the remaining issues.

(3.) With regard to the non recording of minutes after 26.11.2012, the explanation offered is stated as fully convincing. However the proceedings, as put forth by the Devaswom, reveals that the defects have been cured and placed for verification, based on which, it is stated that appropriate orders could be issued to avoid such instances. It is also suggested that before making periodical payments in future, the progress of the work completed based on the measurement book should be satisfied, to ensure that payments are effected only after completion of that part of the work relating to which payment is made. Another suggestion is to consider whether contractors could be asked to submit their bills to the Assistant Engineer in charge of the work and only after he certifies, it will be made available before the higher authorities for making the payments. The learned Ombudsman states that since the minutes have been completed now, though belatedly, the issue can be closed subject to the directions to be issued for future guidance.