Section 16A of The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
1[16A. Accounts and audit of Fund.--(1) The Central Government shall maintain separate accounts and other relevant records in relation to the Environmental Protection Fund and prepare an annual statement of accounts in such form, as may be prescribed, in consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India
- (2)The accounts of the Fund shall be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India at such intervals as may be specified by him and such audited accounts together with the audit report thereon shall be forwarded annually to the Central Government.]
Summary
- The Central Government must keep separate accounts and records specifically for the Environmental Protection Fund.
- The government has to prepare an annual statement of these accounts in a format they decide on after consulting with the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India, who is the country's chief government auditor.
- The Comptroller and Auditor-General of India must audit the accounts of this Fund at whatever time intervals they choose.
- The audited accounts along with the official audit report must be sent to the Central Government every year.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. How are the accounts of the Environmental Protection Fund managed under the Environment Protection Act?
Under Section 16A of the Environment Protection Act, the Central Government is required to maintain separate accounts and other relevant records specifically for the Environmental Protection Fund, ensuring these funds are tracked independently from general government revenues.
2. Who is responsible for auditing the Environmental Protection Fund under the Environment Protection Act?
Under Section 16A of the Environment Protection Act, the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India, who is the chief auditor of government accounts, is responsible for auditing the accounts of the Fund.
3. How often does the Comptroller and Auditor-General audit the Environmental Protection Fund under the Environment Protection Act?
Under Section 16A of the Environment Protection Act, the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India specifies the intervals at which the audit of the Fund's accounts will be conducted.
4. What happens to the audit report of the Environmental Protection Fund under the Environment Protection Act?
Under Section 16A of the Environment Protection Act, once the audit is completed, the audited accounts along with the audit report must be forwarded to the Central Government on an annual basis.
Test yourself
Q1.Under Section 16A of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, who has the authority to specify the intervals at which the Environmental Protection Fund's accounts are audited?
Q2.Under Section 16A of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, which body must the Central Government consult before preparing the annual statement of accounts for the Environmental Protection Fund?
Q3.Under Section 16A of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, what documents must be sent annually to the Central Government after the audit is complete?
Q4.Under Section 16A of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, how are the accounts and records of the Environmental Protection Fund required to be maintained by the Central Government?