This was one of the many findings in the detailed implementation review, which showed how the National Aids Control Programme was compromised
MUMBAI: The World Bank’s detailed implementation review (DIR) of the National Aids Control Programme-2 (September 1999 to March 31, 2006), used forensic accountants and site checks in Mumbai and Maharashtra, among other states, to probe how the war against Aids is actually being fought.
The review shows that this vital national project has been seriously compromised by greedy politicians and corrupt bureaucrats, leading to poor implementation and a waste of resources.
The World Bank team visited 10 projects in Mumbai and Maharashtra (DKT International, Sambhava Society, John Paul Slum Development, Saheli, STD Aids & Total Health Intervention, Rashtriya Swasthya Prabodhini, Jagruti Kendra, Annasaheb Zhute Pratishthan, People’s Health Organisation, and Nagari Seva Prabodhini), apart from 10 others in Karnataka and Chhattisgarh.
It’s verdict is damning. “The broadbased lack of financial controls appeared to have created an environment in which corruption could flourish… DIR’s site visits and interviews revealed indicators that State Aids Control Societies (Sacs) officials demanded and received bribes from NGOs, awarded contracts to NGOs that were not qualified or did not exist, and awarded contracts based on personal connections rather than merit.” In Mumbai, the DIR has noted that bribes were paid through middlemen who took a 10-20% cut for helping NGOs to get their proposals vetted and funds.
Staff at three NGOs who got funds from the Mumbai District Aids Control Society (MDacs) could not describe or discuss anything related to the project despite receiving huge funds for it. In another case, the Maharashtra Aids Control Society awarded several grants to an NGO though the contracting and performance documents showed that it had not conducted any activity related to HIV/Aids prevention. Instead, it was involved in tree planting, rural development, distribution of school dresses, and craft education.
John Paul Slum Development, another NGO, claimed to have been working with truck drivers in Pune. But when the DIR visited the project site, where the NGO purportedly had an office, it found no indication that the NGO was doing what was claimed, the report said.
p_vineeta@dnaindia.net
