2023-24 Audit Report
According to the audit report of Kodikulam Grama Panchayat for the year 2023–24, although the audit certificate states that the Panchayat's annual financial statements are generally reliable, several deficiencies have been identified in accounting procedures and financial control. Some mandatory documents that should have been included along with the annual accounts have not been submitted, discrepancies remain between the figures in the cash flow statement, and accurate valuation of assets and maintenance of the asset register have not been completed. In addition, expired deposits have not been transferred to the Panchayat's fund, demand entries are not being recorded in revenue items in a timely manner, and some receipts and expenditures have been included under incorrect account heads.
The report indicates that the expected level has not been achieved in the implementation of development projects and utilisation of funds. Of the 184 projects approved in 2023–24, only 119 were implemented, and total project expenditure was only 45.25 percent of the approved outlay. Amounts remain unspent under development funds and Finance Commission grants. Amounts deposited for some projects remain unused even at the end of the year; for example, the installation of an inverter at the Family Health Centre and water connection projects have not been completed. The project for distributing water tanks to Scheduled Caste families also remains unimplemented.
The report also points out serious lapses in revenue collection, internal control, and administrative matters. Property tax arrears, particularly tax arrears of more than ₹1.05 lakh from mobile towers, have not been collected. It was found that tax was assessed at lower rates for some buildings and that professional tax and rent arrears were not fully collected. There is a large outstanding amount in water charges. In addition, streetlight and public tap registers are not being properly maintained, General Committee minutes are not being approved in a timely manner, and there has been a failure to implement projects in accordance with the activity calendar. All this highlights the need to make financial control, revenue collection, and administration in the Panchayat more efficient.
