Rs 108-crore irregularities found in TN women’s corporation audit

A special audit of the Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women has found financial irregularities worth Rs 107.94 crore across 186 blocks. RTI activist A Ramakrishnan obtained the report, which details manipulated bills, irregular fund transfers, and payments without supporting documents. So far, Rs 1.43 crore has been recovered from Block Mission Managers who allegedly transferred funds to their own or relatives' accounts.

The audit was ordered after the TNCDW Financial Adviser noticed issues during inspections. Major problems were flagged in Mayiladuthurai district, where Rs 42 lakh meant for producer-level federations was transferred to individuals, and training funds were diverted. Inactive accounts held Rs 3.60 crore, which has been recovered. Officials involved in Mayiladuthurai have been dismissed and an FIR filed.

TNCDW Managing Director Dr M Aarthi said the department has recovered funds but is working with NIC to ensure digital accounting, a process that may take eight months. She said professional audits and a standard operating procedure are being prepared. Ramakrishnan urged the government to appoint permanent staff through the Employment Exchange to improve accountability.