CAG Exposes Massive Lapses in Maharashtra's Covid Aid for Construction Workers

• CAG report reveals ₹5.03 crore excess payments due to duplicate transfers in Covid aid for Maharashtra's construction workers.
• Over 1.2 lakh workers were denied the second installment of Covid assistance despite eligibility, highlighting inconsistent implementation.
• Significant irregularities found in welfare schemes, including ₹81.56 crore excess payments for midday meals and improper distribution of safety/essential kits.
• Lack of inspections at 9,891 construction sites, low health screening coverage (15%), and large-scale non-registration of establishments and workers.
• Maharashtra Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board faced severe staff shortages, weak IT systems, and ₹29.41 crore cess losses.

Why It Matters: CAG audit uncovers widespread failures in Maharashtra's Covid aid and welfare for construction workers.