Audit Reveals Over Rs. 9 Million Loss Due to Misuse of Official Vehicles in Punjab S&GAD
A special audit has revealed serious violations in the Punjab Services and General Administration Department’s (S&GAD) allocation and use of official vehicles, resulting in a loss exceeding Rs. 9 million to the provincial treasury during the 2022–2023 fiscal year.
The audit report found that several vehicles were assigned to individuals who were not entitled to them according to the official transport policy of 2008. This policy clearly defines eligibility criteria for government employees to receive official vehicles based on their rank and designation. However, auditors discovered that junior staff members and officers on special assignments were issued vehicles in violation of these guidelines.
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In addition, some vehicles allocated had engine capacities higher than the permitted limits, which increased fuel, maintenance, and repair expenses. The unjustified expenditures were calculated at Rs. 9,095,063.
The report pointed to weak internal controls and administrative negligence within the department. Despite notices sent in August and September 2023, the department failed to respond. A follow-up meeting in January 2024 addressed some concerns, but several critical issues remain unresolved.
This is not the first instance of such irregularities; a similar audit in 2017–18 reported mismanagement that caused losses of Rs. 20.1 million.
The audit recommends strict disciplinary action and immediate reforms to prevent future misuse of official vehicles and safeguard public resources
