The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit report on the “Prevention of Air Pollution from Vehicles” is set to be presented in the Delhi Assembly on April 1. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta will table the report, which is expected to highlight concerns regarding vehicular pollution in the national capital.
The announcement comes amid an ongoing debate over the Delhi Transport Corporation’s (DTC) financial mismanagement. During a discussion on a separate CAG report regarding DTC, CM Rekha Gupta accused the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of causing significant financial losses to the transport body.
DTC’s Alleged Losses Under AAP Government
Gupta claimed that under AAP’s rule, DTC incurred losses amounting to ₹70,471 crore, including an operational loss of ₹14,198 crore. She further alleged that bus services deteriorated during this period, with only 468 out of 814 routes operational and a reduction in the number of buses from 4,344 to 3,937.
“Instead of focusing on improving public transport, money was spent only on advertisements. Even the ₹233 crore received from the Centre was not utilized properly,” Gupta said.
Allegations on IDFC Share Sale
The Delhi CM also pointed to irregularities in a deal involving the Infrastructure Development Finance Company (IDFC), a DTC partner agency. She alleged that the Delhi government was advised to buy IDFC’s shares but failed to do so. As a result, IDFC sold shares worth ₹95 crore to a private company for just ₹10 crore.
“Did the government not have even ₹10 crore? Today, the total value of DTC has reduced to just ₹20 crore. They have crippled the corporation. Around 4,000 bus drivers are being paid salaries despite not having enough buses to drive,” Gupta added.
Future Plans for DTC and Public Transport
Gupta stated that the current government aims to bring DTC back into profit and turn it into a revenue-generating entity. She also promised to introduce free travel cards for women, citing the lack of proper data on how many women currently benefit from free travel schemes.
The House held a detailed discussion on the CAG’s findings on DTC’s functioning from 2015-2016 to 2021-2022. The report, which highlights financial irregularities, has now been referred to the Committee on Government Undertakings, which must submit its findings within three months.
Additionally, the Transport Department and DTC are required to submit an Action Taken Note to the Legislative Secretariat within one month.
Sources By Agencies
