Fails to keep register of charges, monthly bill receipts
MAPUSA
The Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) was forced to pay Rs 66,412 in penalty charges to the Electricity Department due to delays in clearing electricity bills exposing serious lapses in financial accountability within the administration.
The Directorate of Accounts, in its audit of the 2022-23 fiscal year, reported that the MMC’s delayed payments led to penal charges, resulting in a notable financial loss for the council.
The audit revealed that the total electricity expense for 11 municipal connections should have been Rs 1,65,537.
However, due to repeated payment delays, the MMC paid Rs 2,31,949, a difference of Rs 66,412 incurred solely as penalty charges.
“Due to delay in payment of electricity bills within the due date, the civic body was penalised with delay payment charges of Rs 66,412 which resulted in a loss to the council,” the audit report observed.
The auditors also noted that the true financial impact of these delayed payments could not be assessed for the five-year period from 2018 to 2023.
The MMC reportedly failed to maintain or produce a register of electricity charges and monthly bill receipts, which hindered a full review of its records. These findings raise questions about the accountability and financial oversight within the MMC.
Sources suggest that the delay in payments could stem from either administrative mismanagement or an absence of clear procedures for monitoring bill payments.
The absence of crucial financial records has cast doubt on the efficiency of internal controls and record-keeping within the council, a concern underscored by the audit findings.
The audit report has sparked calls for corrective measures, with many urging the MMC to conduct an internal review, identify responsible parties and establish stricter controls to prevent such lapses in the future.
Civic activists and local leaders have demanded that authorities hold the involved personnel accountable and introduce reforms to improve financial diligence and transparency.
The Directorate of Accounts’ report serves as a crucial reminder for municipal bodies to prioritise accountability and responsible management of public funds.
