A special audit has uncovered serious violations in the Punjab Services and General Administration Department’s (S&GAD) use of official vehicles, causing a loss of over Rs. 9 million to the provincial treasury, according to an audit for the 2022–2023 fiscal year.
The report reveals that several vehicles were allocated to individuals who were not entitled to them under the 2008 official transport policy.
This policy outlines clear rules on which government employees qualify for vehicles based on their rank and designation. However, auditors found that junior staff and officers on special assignments received vehicles against the policy.
In some cases, vehicles with engine capacities exceeding the approved limit were also issued. This resulted in increased fuel, maintenance, and repair costs, totaling Rs. 9,095,063 in unjustified spending.
The audit blamed weak internal controls and administrative negligence. Despite notices being sent to the department in August and September 2023, no response was received. A follow-up meeting held in January 2024 addressed some points, but several key issues remain unresolved.
This isn’t the first time such misuse has occurred. A 2017–18 audit also flagged similar irregularities, which led to a loss of Rs. 20.1 million.
The audit recommends disciplinary action and immediate reforms to prevent future misuse of public resources.