The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) was launched in April 2005 by the Government of India to bring about significant improvements in the health status of the rural population. The Mission sought to provide universal access to equitable, affordable and quality health care facilities in rural areas. A performance audit of implementation of NRHM revealed that baseline surveys were not completed, Perspective Plans for the Mission and Annual Plans for districts, blocks and villages were not prepared regularly. The objective of the Mission to bring all health care activities under one umbrella was not achieved. The State Government did not contribute its share of 15 per cent funds during 2007-08. Funds amounting to Rs 2.12 crore were diverted from NRHM’s funds to a State scheme during 2007-08. Funds remained unspent at the State Health Society/ District Health Societies level, thus defeating the goal of improving public spending in the health sector. None of the health care centres in the State were upgraded as per the Indian Public Health Standards. Despite provision of contractual appointments, there was a shortage of medical and para-medical staff. In 10 out of 12 test-checked districts, 101 Primary Health Centres were functioning without doctors. The fifth module training was not imparted to any of the Accredited Social Health Activists in the State. In the test-checked districts, 49 to 58 per cent of pregnant women were not registered in health centres during their first trimester. Targets set for spacing and terminal methods for family planning were not achieved. The current status of maternal mortality rate and infant mortality rate in the State remained high. Spectacles were not supplied to 30,715 out of 57,191 children suffering from refractive errors during 2005-09 in the test-checked districts. Due to non-formation of monitoring and planning committees, appraisal and evaluation of activities could not be ensured.