Delhi CM firm, CAG begins discoms’ audit today

India’s top auditor will from Thursday start examining the books of the Capital’s three power distribution firms, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Thursday, ignoring discoms’ opposition.

India’s top auditor will from Thursday start examining the books of the Capital’s three power distribution firms, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Thursday, ignoring discoms’ opposition.

The firms had objected the move, saying the matter (of a possible audit) was due for hearing in the Delhi high court on January 22.

“The audit will look into profits not disclosed and falsely claimed losses,” said Kejriwal, who also holds the power portfolio. The Lieutenant Governor had given the go-ahead, he said.

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) will go as far back as 2002, when power distribution was privatised in the Capital. BSES Yamuna, BSES Rajdhani and Tata Power are the three firms tasked with the job in Delhi.

On Tuesday, while announcing 50% subsidy to consumers using 400 units of power, Kejriwal had said the subsidy might not be needed after the audit, giving the discoms a day to send in objections. “The discoms have in their response given no reason why their books should not be looked into,” he said.

In its manifesto, his Aam Aadmi Party had promised to halve power bills and audit discoms.