Provides a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of audit functioning and put the CAG in a good position to suggest improvements : President Kovind

Himachal Pradesh : President of India attends the closing ceremony of Indian Audit and Accounts Service Officer Trainees of 2018 and 2019 Batch

The President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, said that audits provide a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the methodology and put the CAG in a good position to suggest improvements.

He was speaking at the closing ceremony of Indian Audit and Accounts Service officer trainees of 2018 and 2019 batches at National Audit and Accounts Academy in Shimla today (September 18, 2021).

The President said that the last 18 months have been very difficult for the country. The economy was badly affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The government has taken various financial measures to mitigate the crisis and for the welfare of the poor.

These are often financed through money, which can be said to have been borrowed from our children and grandchildren. We are indebted to them that these scarce resources are put to the best possible use and most effectively used for the welfare of the poor and needy. The CAG has a very important role in this.

The President said that while undertaking oversight, the CAG should be aware of opportunities to provide inputs for systemic reforms. Audits provide a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the methodology and put the CAG in a good position to suggest improvements. Governments will take seriously the advice given by a body like the CAG. This will positively impact our public service delivery standards.

The President said that government processes are being rapidly digitized for the convenience of the citizens. The rapidly expanding technology frontier has reduced the distance between the state and the citizens. Through Direct Benefit Transfer, money can reach the poorest citizen in the farthest corner of the country at the push of a computer button. This is a ‘small challenge’ and a ‘huge opportunity’ from the audit point of view.

By using advanced analytics tools, vast amounts of data information can be erased without having to travel far. It can make audit functions more focused and efficient. Systemic red flags can be raised at an earlier stage. He said that we have to keep pace with the evolving technology landscape. He also expressed confidence that the CAG is aware of the matter.

Speaking about the environment around the National Academy of Audit and Accounts, the President said that such an environment is a great place for learning activities. These surroundings also teach us about a very difficult responsibility to leave the same pristine nature for the enjoyment of our future generations. Despite India’s development needs, we have taken on significant responsibility to address the global climate change challenge and environmental protection.

He said that the CAG has taken capacity building measures in the field of environmental audit. He said that this is a very welcome step for our future. We must always remember that the constraints of resource finiteness can only be partially addressed by human innovation. For the rest the sacrifice by our generation is the only support. The CAG has a big role to play in making us aware of the sacrifices we have to make for our future generations.

Addressing the officer trainees, the President said that as public servants they would get the most satisfaction when they were able to serve the poorest and bring a smile on their faces. While performing our constitutional duty, we should always be mindful of this common responsibility assigned to all the office bearers. An approach laden with mutual empathy will ensure that we reach our national goals much faster.

The President said that the freedom enshrined in the Constitution should be nurtured. More importantly, more values ​​need to be added to it through professionalism and absolute integrity. All the young officers need to imbibe these qualities completely as they become the harbingers of such rich traditions of Audit and Accounts Department.