The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is set to revive a 26-year-old mandate aimed at dismantling internal cartels. The mandate requires the vigilance department to scrutinize all project files before payments are disbursed. This "pre-audit" system, which was standard practice over two decades ago, is being reintroduced to prevent engineers from certifying their own fraudulent work.
Drainage Scam Exposes Failures
The recent drainage scam highlighted the spectacular failure of Project Management Consultants (PMCs). Sources reveal that these consultants, often employing young staff on meager salaries, have proven "unreliable" and easily compromised by senior officials.
"They lack the technical depth or the spine to challenge fraudulent claims," a senior AMC officer observed, noting that these consultants often sign off on bills for a fraction of the scam's value. The AMC official admitted, "Outsourced supervision fails against officers who bypass the hierarchy to siphon money."
Reintroduction of Pre-Audit
The pre-audit system is expected to restore accountability and transparency in project payments. By mandating vigilance department approval before disbursements, the AMC aims to prevent fraudulent certifications and curb corruption.
