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| CAG exposes adhocism, naivety, administrative inertia in Tourism Department | | | Kunal Shrivatsa
JAMMU, Mar 7: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India in its latest report has brought to the fore several follies of the State Government while handling the affairs of Tourism Department and Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC).
The CAG Report has pointed out that the lack of proper planning by the State Government has resulted in poor growth of tourism sector in the State.
"The Department had not formulated long term and short term perspective plans and the developmental activities had been undertaken in an adhoc manner. Most of the newly created Development Authorities had not finalized the Master plans. Funds were diverted from one scheme to another affecting the completion of projects," observed the CAG.
"The plans for management and operation of assets created had not been formulated with the result the asset created had not been put to intended use," it added.
The CAG Report also noticed cases of delay in completion of projects, unfruitful/wasteful expenditure and of wrong reporting.
"Out of 38 projects sanctioned during the period 2008-11, only 19 projects were completed as of March 2013. There were excesses over original estimates to the extent of six percent to 1400 percent in 213 works. Six out of 21 schemes taken up under 12th Finance Commission award during 2006-10 at a cost of Rs 11.30 crore had not been completed," said CAG Report.
"The assets created at 12 different tourist locations by incurring an expenditure of Rs 15.55 crore were not in operation due to shortage of skilled manpower," it added.
In its findings, the CAG also pointed out a system to keep watch on illegal constructions and unplanned development of the areas and to grant permission for development of land or construction of building was not in place.
The CAG Report further said that despite an increase of 71 percent in tourist arrival during the year 2011-12 over the year 2008-09, the occupancy levels in the JKTDC facilities increased only by 16 percent during the period.
Besides, the CAG also raised question mark over poor planning in promoting different tourism products in the State.
"Promotion of tourist products was not adequate and marketing and publicity campaigns were not adequate. The JKTDC has made no efforts to increase the coverage area and exploit the potential of transport sector to benefit from the increasing tourist inflow. Acts and rules relating to tourism development had not been implemented efficiently and effectively," observed the CAG. |
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