Karnataka Launches 100-Day Audit Drive to Resolve Gram Panchayat Issues

Karnataka has embarked on a vigorous 100-day audit campaign to tackle pending objections and recovery notices in Gram Panchayats, as announced by Minister Priyank Kharge. This action follows concerns expressed by the Karnataka Legislature's Committee on Local Bodies and Panchayat Raj Institutions regarding longstanding audit discrepancies dating back to the financial year 2014-15.

The campaign, effective from June 10, is operative across all districts, aiming for the time-bound resolution of audit objections and recovery issues according to established norms. Recent audit reports indicate a significant backlog, with 56,551 unresolved objections amounting to Rs 1,505.86 crore, prompting the launch of this remediation effort.

Minister Kharge has instructed officials to conduct regular review meetings to ensure timely resolution. Pending objections up to the end of FY 2023-24 must be addressed promptly in ad-hoc committee meetings chaired by Executive Officers. Zilla Panchayats are to report their progress, and any district failing in effective campaign execution will hold Taluk Panchayat Executive Officers accountable. The campaign, set to conclude on September 23, 2025, stresses stringent oversight.

(With inputs from agencies.)