SRINAGAR: The Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU) of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly held a meeting today at the Assembly Complex to review the Audit Paras concerning the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (JKPDCL).
The meeting was chaired by Ali Mohammad Sagar, Chairman of COPU, and attended by committee members Saifullah Mir, Ali Mohammad Dar, Mir Mohammad Fayaz, Ranbir Singh Pathania, Dr. Bashir Ahmad Shah (Veeri), Showkat Hussain Ganie, Saif-ud-Din Bhat, and Tanvir Sadiq.
Officials present included the Principal Accountant General, Principal Secretary of PDD, Secretary of the Science and Technology Department, Managing Directors of KPDCL, JPDCL, and JKPDCL, Director General of Accounts and Treasuries, Director General of Development Expenditure Division-I, Director Finance of PDD, Chief Engineers from various divisions of KPDCL, JPDCL, JKPDCL, along with other senior officers from the Power Development Department and related agencies.
During the session, COPU reviewed multiple audit findings and irregularities highlighted by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) regarding JKPDCL’s operations.
Chairman Sagar stressed the urgent need for accountability and transparency within the corporation. He instructed officials to identify and hold responsible those negligent in their duties and to take strict action against offenders according to established protocols.
He also pointed out that numerous projects have extended far beyond their original timelines as outlined in their Detailed Project Reports (DPRs). He urged officers to prepare DPRs in strict compliance with norms to avoid delays in project execution.
The Chairman further emphasized the importance of making departments accountable through corrective measures discussed in such forums. He highlighted that Public Sector Undertakings must maintain the highest standards of financial discipline and operational efficiency to protect public resources and contribute effectively to public welfare.
Additionally, the Chairman directed the Principal Secretary of PDD to submit an action-taken report within one month detailing the steps taken to address audit objections and prevent similar lapses in the future.
The committee resolved to hold officers responsible for any negligence or irregularities and recommended strict action against those failing to perform their duties adequately.
Committee members also voiced concerns over lapses, procedural violations, and project execution delays. They raised the issue of inflated consumer bills in unmetered and remote areas and called for prompt resolution in response to genuine public grievances.
