Transparency must for good governance: PAG Sellate
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, November 24 2022:
Public Account Committee, Committee on Public Undertakings and Legislatures have a huge role to play in maintaining transparency and accountability in government machineries, principal accountant general (A&E) John K Sellate has stated.
He made the statement at the closing function of Audit Week 2022 organised jointly by Principal Accountant General (A&E), Manipur and Principal Accountant General (Audit), Manipur at the office complex of Principal Accountant General, Babupara here on Thursday.
John K Sellate called for re-dedicating the responsibilities and commitments assigned to the office to maintain transparency, accountability and promote good governance, in addition to preparation of pensions, GPF of state government employees and payslips for gazette officers.
He then urged for remembering the importance of audit in providing insight and oversight to utilisation of public funds, through accounting and auditing services Recalling that the institution of the Auditor General of India first came into being in 1860 and re-designated as Comptroller General of India by the Constitution after India became a republic in 1950; he highlighted the important role the Indian Parliamentary Democracy has assigned to CAG and the Public Account Committee (PAC) and Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU) of the legislature.
He continued: "The legislature carries the will arid the aspiration of the people and thus, has the responsibility of maintaining openness, accountability and promotion of integrity promote in the state's finance management.
The government has a constitutional obligation to prepare and present a budget for approval by the legislature.
In addition, the legislature has the power to control government expenses as a budget sanctioning authority.
Thus, an inquiry could be initiated on misuse of public funds based on CAG reports.
"Meanwhile, the executive has a responsibility of providing good governance and public services to the citizens.
CAG and the executive serve as a critical link between the legislature and the people.
Thus, there is the need for accountability, transparency, credible institutional and administrative process to maintain a long-term, sustainable socio-economic growth.
Auditees must, therefore, interact with different stakeholders to strengthen the relationship," he stressed.
John then emphasised on the importance of proper and efficient utilisation of public funds, as this help increase the credibility of the government.
Presently, almost all information can be obtained through RTI.
The true example of good governance in a democratic society is providing the proper and right public services, and maintaining transparency and accountability, he said and urged for concerted efforts to help achieve the same.
The function was also attended by retired IAS RK Nimai; social scientist Dr Dhanabir Laishram; MPSC chairman L Angamchand; Manipur principal accountant general (Audit) Athikho Chalai and Office of CAG of India director general (NER) JPN Singh as presidium members.