CAG Audit Flags Severe Irregularities in Cyclone Amphan Relief Funds

A compliance report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) presented in the state assembly revealed widespread irregularities, altered documentation, and systemic flaws in the disbursement of financial relief following Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Amphan, which devastated Eastern India in May 2020.

Cyclone Amphan was a super cyclonic storm that caused widespread destruction across West Bengal and Odisha. Following the disaster, central and state relief allocations were sanctioned under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to compensate affected citizens for damaged housing, lost livestock, and ruined agricultural fields.

The audit discovered multiple instances where financial grants were awarded to individuals with undamaged homes or ineligible claims, while thousands of genuine disaster victims were omitted. The report also pointed out that rejected applications were subsequently approved without administrative verification, indicating significant financial leakages and monitoring lapses.

The findings highlight the essential role of independent auditing in maintaining financial accountability during emergency disaster recovery programs. For exams, Prelims covers the constitutional mandate of the CAG under Articles 148–151 and the functioning of NDRF/SDRF under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, while Mains examines disaster management ethics and public expenditure governance.