The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has pulled up the Puducherry Government for under-utilisation of interceptor boats allotted under the Coastal Security Scheme due to lack of funds for fuel and maintenance.
In a report tabled in the Assembly on Wednesday, the CAG pointed out that scrutiny of log books of patrolling boats revealed that one 12 tonne boat berthed at Karaikal had run for 793 hours only against the prescribed norms of 3,870 hours.
Log books of the remaining two boats disclosed that the 12 tonne boat berthed at Puducherry was tasked for 1,019 hours and the five tonne boat at Karaikal was tasked for 1,119 hours only as of March 2014 against the prescribed norms of 7,830 hours and 8,070 hours respectively.
The shortfall was 86.99 per cent and 86.13 per cent respectively which was primarily due to non-availability of funds for fuel expenses and poor maintenance.
The Government of India sanctioned Rs.52 lakh as advance towards fuel expenses for boats for the financial year 2009-10 with instructions to provide funds for subsequent years through budget which would be reimbursed.
Though this fund was utilised to operate the boats during 2010-12 they were kept largely idle during 2012-14 as budget provision was not made for fuel.
CAG observed that there was a shortage of manpower and shortfalls in training. Against 45 sanctioned posts, only 22 were filled up as of May 2014, of which three Head Constables were at services placement to various other offices in Karaikal.
As recruitment of crew on regular basis was not done, the boats at Karaikal and Puducherry were being manned by three Coxswain Syrangers and an Engine driver engaged on contract basis.
As per Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), no police personnel should be posted to a Coastal Police Station without being given basic training in coastal security.
However, details furnished by the Department revealed that four training courses were conducted by the Indian Coast Guard for 12 personnel from 2006 to 2014. The Inspector of Police, Head of Coastal Police Station, was not trained in Coastal security.
Similarly, the Coxswain Syrangers and engine driver who were responsible for navigation and maintenance of on board machinery were also not given ‘on the job training’ as provided in SOP.
