UPSC-Relevant News Items

1. CAG Flags Major Anomalies in Bank Account Details and Identity Under PMKVY Scheme

Page: 2

Summary:

• • The CAG audit of PMKVY (outlay Rs 14,450 crore) found massive data anomalies, with bank account fields being zero, null, or blank for 94.53% of participants.
• • The report highlighted discrepancies, including the use of repeated bank accounts for multiple participants and the same photographic evidence for beneficiaries across several states.
• • These lapses in identity assurance and faulty records led to over 34 lakh certified candidates not receiving mandated pay-outs, indicating severe flaws in tracking.
• • The audit noted that the Skill Development Management System (SDMS) lacked automated checks against fraudulent data entry.
• • Placement details were available for only a fraction of certified candidates.
• • Training centers often failed to meet infrastructure and faculty norms.
• • Massive amounts of allocated funds remained unspent due to implementation failures.
• • Many training centers provided training for durations significantly shorter than prescribed.

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