Banda. A serious financial irregularity involving a loan of around ₹35 lakh has come to light during an audit of General Provident Fund (GPF) accounts and related loans of employees in the health department. An audit of the GPF account of Devendra Kumar, an optometrist posted at the Tindwari Primary Health Centre, reportedly found that an amount higher than the actual balance available in the account was shown and a loan was taken on that basis. The records also allegedly did not reflect deductions for money withdrawn from the account earlier. Following the discovery, GPF accounts and loan-related records of other employees are also being examined.
A two-member audit team from the Accounts Department in Prayagraj arrived in Banda on Wednesday and began examining documents related to employees’ GPF accounts and loans. During the audit, discrepancies were found between the balance recorded in Devendra Kumar’s account and the actual amount available. The preliminary findings indicate that a higher balance was reflected in the GPF account, on the basis of which a loan of around ₹35 lakh was obtained.
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The audit also found that deductions corresponding to amounts withdrawn from the account earlier had not been properly recorded. This resulted in the balance shown in the account being higher than the actual amount available. The audit team is now matching records to establish how much was deposited into the account during different periods, how much was withdrawn and what the actual balance was when the loan was sanctioned.
The audit team has also taken possession of documents relating to the GPF accounts and loans of several employees. These records have been taken to Prayagraj, where they will be compared with the original financial and departmental records. The verification is expected to establish whether the irregularity was limited to Devendra Kumar’s account or whether similar discrepancies occurred in the GPF accounts of other employees.
Considering the seriousness of the matter, the audit team has initiated correspondence with the government seeking action against optometrist Devendra Kumar. The Chief Medical Officer has been directed to initiate departmental proceedings and recover any amount withdrawn in excess from the account. The department will now examine the relevant records and financial details to determine how the additional amount was shown and under what process the loan was sanctioned.
Dr Abhay Singh, Additional Director of the Chitrakoot Dham Division, said the audit team had conducted the examination and that the relevant records would now be matched in Prayagraj. The complete picture of the irregularity would become clear only after verification of the original documents. Officials said the extent of the financial irregularity and responsibility for it would be determined after the audit is completed.
The case has also prompted increased scrutiny of GPF accounts maintained for other health department employees. Department officials are checking whether balances higher than the actual deposits were reflected in any other accounts. Records relating to previous withdrawals, deductions, loan sanctions and remaining balances are also being compared to identify any discrepancies.
A similar case involving financial irregularities in a GPF account had earlier come to light in neighbouring Mahoba district. In that case, an irregularity was detected in the GPF account of a health department clerk. The development in Banda has now increased scrutiny of the system used for maintaining GPF records and processing employee loans.
The department is currently awaiting verification of the records taken to Prayagraj. The completion of the audit will establish how many GPF accounts in the Banda health department were affected and the overall financial impact, if any, on government funds. If similar irregularities are confirmed in other accounts, departmental action may be initiated against those responsible, along with recovery of any excess amount withdrawn.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
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