Vice-President Launches Book on CAG’s Impact on Governance
In a significant event at Uprashtrapati Bhawan, Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, unveiled the book When Audit Matters: CAG Interventions That Made a Difference, edited by former Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Shri Vinod Rai. The launch emphasized the crucial role of audits in promoting accountability and transparency within the government, showcasing the importance of ethical governance in enhancing public trust.
During his address, the Vice-President highlighted that audits serve as a foundation for strengthening democracy. He stated that audits reassure citizens about the prudent use of public funds in accordance with laws and principles of fairness. By identifying system flaws and offering corrective measures, audits help in building trust between the government and its citizens.
Shri Radhakrishnan pointed out that the interplay of ethics and auditing can lead to transformative changes, fostering better public services and efficient allocation of resources. He stressed that ethical governance must become the cornerstone of public administration, ensuring that government systems are always designed to serve the public interest.
Reflecting on India’s rich traditions of accountability, the Vice-President drew connections to ancient principles found in the concepts of dharma and raja dharma. He referenced Kautilya’s Arthashastra, which lays out key principles of financial oversight. According to him, these ideals have been institutionalized through the Constitution, which established the rule of law and introduced an independent Comptroller and Auditor General under parliamentary oversight.
Emphasizing the accountability cycle in a parliamentary democracy, he discussed the importance of legislative budget approval, as well as audits and evaluations carried out by Public Accounts Committees. This process, he noted, creates a framework for fiscal oversight that fortifies democratic control over public finances.
The Vice-President called for the continuous enhancement of auditing systems, advocating for training, technological advancements, and efficient data management. He maintained that auditors themselves must adhere to high standards of integrity and ethical behavior.
Praising the contributions of Shri Vinod Rai and his colleagues, he acknowledged their efforts to compile the experiences of former senior audit officials, presenting vital audit stories in a relatable and engaging manner. The publication also explores governance and accountability in South Asia, in partnership with the Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore.
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