Jammu, Nov 24: Lauding the commendable efforts of the audit community in fostering transparent and accountable governance, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha underscored the pivotal role played by the audit community in shaping the governance landscape of the nation, highlighting the week-long celebrations as a moment to reflect on their dedication to ensuring good governance.
Addressing the closing ceremony of ‘Audit Week’ at Convention Centre Jammu, today, Lieutenant Governor Sinha said public audit ensures every rupee is effectively spent, bringing about positive changes in the lives of those at the grassroots of development.
Drawing attention to the historical significance of the Institution of Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Lt. Governor Sinha reminisced about the visionary framers of the constitution, particularly quoting Baba Saheb Ambedkar, who regarded the Auditor General as holding the most critical position in the Indian Constitution.
Addressing government departments, Lt. Governor Sinha urged swift action on identified shortcomings. He stressed the importance of the audit community promptly presenting reports and facts in the era of reforms, enabling swift action related to policy and program evaluations.
“Audit observations and recommendations should be seen as a guide so that every penny of the public exchequer improves the living standards of the common man,” stated Lt. Governor Sinha.
“Encouraging a positive mindset towards audit reports,” he suggested that careful consideration and implementation of recommendations could lead to necessary improvements in governance.
In the context of the evolving administrative and business processes due to e-governance and digital penetration, Lt. Governor Sinha acknowledged the challenges and opportunities for the audit community. He emphasised the need to ensure the safety and security of IT systems and foster partnerships at the Panchayat level.
Commenting on the impact of artificial intelligence and knowledge-based expert systems, Lt. Governor Sinha noted their role in facilitating audit risk evaluation and planning. However, he also acknowledged emerging challenges related to data security and reduced human control, calling for a balanced approach.
Commending the Audit and Accounts Offices of Jammu and Kashmir, Lt. Governor Sinha highlighted their key initiatives, including bulk settlement of pending audit paras, collaborative corrective actions, pension adalats, and progress in computerising pension cases. These efforts, he noted, not only benefit government departments but also directly impact the lives of citizens in the Union Territory.
The event was attended by Pramod Kumar, Principal Accountant General (Audit), J&K, Abhishek Gupta, Principal Accountant General, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to Lt. Governor, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary, Santosh D Vaidya, Principal Secretary Finance Department, Sanjeev Verma, Commissioner Secretary GAD, Anand Jain, IGP Jammu, and other senior officers.
