Para 3.8.15 — MSO

3.8.15 The review should commence with an in-depth study of the expenditure finance proposals in the offices of the administrative departments and heads of departments concerned. The following aspects will need the special attention of Audit:

(i) Extent to which the objectives of the project/scheme have been clearly defined and are in conformity with the policies and decisions of Government.

(ii) Whether the schemes/programmes have been formulated in accordance with these objectives and are being implemented based on specific and well-defined procedures and whether appropriate structures and systems are in place to enforce accountability.

(iii) Whether sound management information and monitoring systems are available for collection of reliable data and evaluation of implementation and progress and the extent to which the data is effectively utilised to bring about improvements or remedy deficiencies with utmost expedition.

(iv) Adequacy and relevance of the internal control mechanisms for effective control over various areas of implementation and prevention of leakages, losses, avoidable and wasteful expenditure etc.

(v) Availability of specified performance indicators. If these are not in existence, the procedures followed or yardsticks/norms adopted to assess the performance of the project/scheme and their validity.