Sindh’s audit authorities note irregularities of Rs2.2bn in culture and tourism dept

KARACHI: Sindh’s audit authorities have pointed out an irregularity of more than Rs2.2 billion in the Department of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities in just one year, Pakistan Today learned through auditor general of Pakistan’s report for the year 2016-17 on Friday.

According to the audit report, the officers of the culture and tourism department failed to produce the record involving funds of Rs1.6 billion that included the grant in aid to people, rent agreement, cultural activities, bills of monitoring third party, sanction orders, a record of contingency employees etc.

Moreover, Rs260 million were embezzled for an irregular award of the contract without publishing tender in any newspaper and without notifying procurement committee. Interestingly, Rs52.827 million was illegally withdrawn by the DDO instead of the actual payee who was supposed to deposit the cross cheque to his account.

The report pointed out that Rs39.354 million was utilized unjustifiably on contractual and daily wages staff, adding that Rs39 million was utilized irregularly as mobilization advance. Besides that, Rs36.425 million was spent without post audit on various items.

Most interestingly, the auditors also found that an amount of Rs36.224 million invested by the department, however, the amount was deposited in a bank to get maximum benefits on short-term planning. An amount of Rs25.205 million recovered taxes were not credited to the government account, besides Rs15.326 million as a penalty on contractors for delayed work.

The auditors also pointed out Rs12.482 million were embezzled on unauthorized execution of work over and above the estimated cost, Rs9.295 million on unauthorized working of employees in excess of sanctioned strength, Rs4.710 million for non-inviting tender in violation of SPPR 2010, Rs4 million on unauthorized retention of vehicle by ex-officials/minister, Rs4.393 million for splitting up to avoid tender ,Rs2.037 million on non-adjustment of advances, Rs5.701 million for short-recovery of taxes and Rs 1.303 million on non-recovery of government dues and excess payment.

According to sources, the culture department was formed to cover all the activities being carried in libraries, museums, arts councils, studios and cultural centres in various cities of the province.

It also actively pursues the promotion of tourism and to develop hotel and resort facilities at recreational points of the province. However, sources say that the department is allegedly utilizing millions of rupees on things that have little or nothing to do with the primary responsibilities of the department.

Despite Sindh Minister for Culture and Tourism Sardar Shah is busy in holding dozens of cultural events to utilize funds, he seems to have ignored the vast amount of irregularities by the department that he is responsible for.