Sat Sharma chairs PUC meeting

Examines Audit paras of SFC

          SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 19:  A Committee on Public Undertakings of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Tuesday examined the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Audit paras pertaining to Forest Department (State Forest Corporation) for the year 2014-15 and 2006-07.

          The Committee which met here under the Chairmanship of MLA, Sat Paul Sharma to discuss the various Audit paras of SFC regarding avoidable extra expenditure and blockade of funds, loss of revenue, improper arrangements at the extraction/mining sites and material losses.

          Legislators, G M Saroori, Rajesh Gupta, Rajeev Sharma, Abdul Majid Larmi, Asgar Ali Karbalai and Vikram Randhawa attended the meeting and gave suggestions to make the State Forest Corporation more functional and vibrant.

          The Committee while reacting to the reply submitted by the SFC expressed concern. It directed the Corporation to come up with updated and detailed reply in respect of the Audit para number 7.2 and also come with action taken report on Committee directions.

         The Corporation was also asked to ensure timely completion of e-tendering process and proper distribution of timber/firewood to the common people, particularly the fire victims of Chenab Valley.    

          Commissioner Secretary Forest Environment Ecology and Managing Director State Forest Corporation briefed the Committee about the action taken by the Corporation on observations made by the CAGs office in its Audit report besides the functioning of the Corporation.

          They assured the Committee that all necessary steps will be taken by the Corporation for settlement of Audit paras. Deputy Accountant General (CAG), V K Bakshi also briefed the Committee about the observations pointed out by the CAG in its report.  

          Among others, Chief General Manager, State Forest Corporation, I A Bhatt, Director Finance, Forest Department, Z A Bhat, General Manager (Adm) M A Wani besides senior officers and officials of State Forest Corporation and Assembly Secretariat were also present in the meeting.