CAG Flags Suspected Misappropriation of ₹148.75 Crore in 11 ITDAs of Odisha

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has raised serious concerns over the suspected misappropriation of government funds amounting to ₹148.75 crore in 11 Integrated Tribal Development Agencies (ITDAs) of Odisha.

The findings emerged from a compliance audit of 11 out of 22 ITDAs in the state, covering the financial years 2018-19 to 2022-23. The report, tabled in the Odisha Assembly on Wednesday, revealed that large-scale fund divergences occurred through bank accounts operated by engineers in these agencies.

The CAG noted that ITDAs, which were set up between 1979-80 and 2022-23, are mandated to implement a range of welfare schemes aimed at the socio-economic development of the tribal population living in the state’s Scheduled Areas. However, the audit observed that diversion of funds and irregular account operations undermined the core purpose of these agencies.

The report highlighted that the lack of monitoring and control mechanisms enabled engineers to handle bank accounts directly, creating scope for financial irregularities. The suspected misappropriation, as flagged by the CAG, calls into question the transparency and accountability of fund utilization meant for tribal welfare.

The revelations are expected to trigger sharp political reactions and renewed demands for a thorough probe. The state government has not yet officially responded to the audit findings.