Most approved government programs inconsistent with Russia’s budget – auditor

Tatiana Golikova file photo

MOSCOW. Nov 14 (Interfax) – The parameters of 40 Russian government programs approved in 2012-2013 are inconsistent with the budget plan for 2014-2016, the chairman of the Audit Chamber, Tatyana Golikova said in an interview published by Rossiyskaya Gazeta on Thursday.

“This refers to 40 state programs approved by the government in 2012-2013, which were laid at the foundation of the draft budget for 2014-2016, from the development of the electricity sector and building aircraft to domestic tourism. Unfortunately, these are now approved programs, but their parameters are not consistent with the draft budget,” Golikova said.

She said a great deal of work needs to be done on reconsidering these programs, not only in terms of budget allocations, but also for clear consistency with the priorities set out in strategic documents.

“The president asked us to check all government programs by September 1, 2014 for their consistency with the strategic goals and objectives of the government and the nation. This is a great deal of work, because when you check a government program in a specific area of activity, incorporating all expenditures, you have to count absolutely everything. And this is being done for the first time,” Golikova said.

She said the Audit Chamber now has 2.5 months in order to ably check government programs starting February 1, 2014, when according to the prime minister’s instructions they will be revised.

As for the results of already completed checks, Golikova said she was most surprised by the lack of a system for managing assets in the country.

“There are across the board problems with lack of registration, with appraisal, a given asset being in two registers simultaneously – federal and regions, illegal removal of property or land of the Federation, or alternately a region. The main concern here is that government property is offered for sale and sold at knock-down prices,” Golikova said.

She said the case of Oboronservis will provide grounds for more frequent audits of the security agencies. “First of all, experience has been gained, including with such type of audits. Secondly, an audit lives for a certain amount of time. What do I mean? It has been completed, specific orders are issued and their execution is monitored. Oboronservis will not be an exception,” Golikova said.

She could not say exactly how many audits will be conducted next year. “It’s difficult for me to say how many there will be next year. We’ve only begun putting together the plan. It will be discussed in December at a board meeting,” Golikova said.

[featured image is file photo]

Most approved government programs inconsistent with Russia’s budget – auditor

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