In a report released at a news conference in Dushanbe, Qarakhon Chillazoda, the head of the Accounts Chamber, revealed on July 14 that financial damage discovered by the Accounts Chamber over the first six months of this year has cost Tajikistan 158.8 million somonis (TJS).
According to him, financial losses increased by TJS75.6 million compared to the same period last year (financial damage discovered by the Accounts Chamber in January-June last year reportedly amounted to 83.2 million somonis).
The Accounts Chamber has reportedly conducted 90 inspections over the first six months of this year, which is 52 inspections fewer than in the same period last year.
Chillazoda further noted that TJS157.7 million (99.2 percent) had been reimbursed, including 66.6 million of budgetary funds and 136.6 million somonis of federally funded institutions.
The most damage was reportedly caused by loss of monetary-and-material resources – 65.3 million somonis, illegal expenditure of funds – 13.9 million somonis, shortage and misappropriation of material-and-resources – 1.2 million somonis, overpricing during repair and construction work – 9.1 million somonis, mandatory and other payments to the state budget – 15 million somonis, unpaid dividends on government shares – 1.6 million somonis, and damage from the sale and lease of state-owned property – 456,600 somonis.
Disciplinary and administrative action was reportedly imposed upon officials and managers who were implicated in wrongdoing.
Tajikistan’s lower chamber (Majlisi Namoyandagon) of parliament passed the law on the establishment of the Accounts Chamber on June 1, 2011. This government institution reportedly controls revenue and expenditure parts of the national budget, off-budget funds and investments coming in the country’s economy from abroad. The Accounts Chamber was reportedly established to tighten control of finances as well as conduct audit and assess the national budget. The Accounts Chamber is accountable to the President and the Parliament. The Majlisi Namoyandagon elects chief auditors of the Chamber of Accounts upon the recommendation of the President; chief auditor may be elected to not more than two seven-year terms.
