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Himachal PAC audit report flags financial lapses in Police department, Crores unrecovered
Shimla March 28,
Himachal PAC audit report flags financial lapses in Police department, Crores unrecovered
Even as Himachal Pradesh continues to operate under financial strain and austerity measures, a fresh report of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has flagged financial irregularities, pending recoveries running into crores, and prolonged audit lapses in the Home Department, particularly the police wing, raising sharp questions over accountability.
The report, tabled in the Vidhan Sabha on March 28, 2026, reveals that audit objections dating back over a decade remain unresolved, pointing to systemic gaps in financial management and compliance.
It highlights that substantial government dues remain unrecovered from multiple agencies, including the Railway Authority, Airport Authority and hydel projects, indicating prolonged delays in financial reconciliation. In one instance, over Rs 2.32 crore was shown as outstanding with only partial recovery recorded, leaving a significant balance pending for years, a situation that the committee observed weakens financial discipline and places avoidable pressure on the state exchequer.
The PAC has also pointed to wide gaps between budget estimates and actual receipts, instances where funds were drawn in advance but remained unutilised, and cases where public money remained blocked due to incomplete works. Audit observations cited in the report include excess payments of salaries and allowances, non-completion of development works leading to financial blockage, and outstanding revenue linked to deployment of police personnel for security services.
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Taking serious note of these issues, the committee has sought explanations from the department on why long-pending financial discrepancies have not been resolved despite repeated audit observations over the years. It has stressed the need for timely settlement of audit paras, strengthening of financial monitoring systems, and immediate recovery of pending dues.
The findings assume significance at a time when the state is emphasising fiscal discipline, as unresolved audit paras and unrecovered funds directly impact public finances and governance credibility. The report underscores a recurring pattern of audit warnings being acknowledged but not fully acted upon, raising concerns over institutional accountability within key departments.
The report is an Action Taken Report on earlier PAC findings of 2008–09 and 2009–10 and is based on departmental replies and audit records reviewed during 2025–26.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
