A total of 9,000 Audit Paras from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India have been addressed by the Government of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, with plans to address another 14,000 before the Winter Session of Parliament. The Chief Secretary recently discussed pending audit paras with senior officers, emphasising the need for reconciliation of the remaining 14,000. A deadline of October 31, 2023, has been set to clear Audit Paras related to the last three financial years, as highlighted in the reports of the CAG of India.
The CAG holds a vital responsibility for auditing both the government’s income and expenditures as well as the public accounts of the centre and individual states. Its primary mission is to guarantee the efficient and effective utilisation of public funds while upholding transparency and accountability in the government’s financial activities. The CAG conducts a range of audits, including performance audits, financial audits, and compliance audits, across various government departments and agencies. Additionally, it serves as a watchdog to ensure that the government adheres to proper procedures and guidelines when awarding contracts, making purchases, processing payments, and managing public assets. In essence, the CAG is a critical institution in the country, playing a pivotal role in enhancing transparency and accountability within the government’s financial operations and ensuring that public funds are managed with responsibility and effectiveness.
The CAG audits go beyond mere reports; they serve as instruments for pinpointing areas in which the government can enhance its financial management and operational efficiency. These audits play a crucial role in bolstering accountability within the government by offering an impartial evaluation of its financial management methods. Additionally, they serve as a deterrent against fraud and corruption. Furthermore, these reports serve the vital function of guaranteeing compliance with regulations, including adherence to pertinent laws, rules, and regulations. Most importantly, they empower decision-makers within the government by furnishing them with valuable information to inform their choices.
It’s of utmost importance that all government departments ensure their designated nodal officers respond to the CAG within the stipulated one-month timeframe, even if detailed explanations follow later. The AG will consider the response, and the draft audit report may be modified or resolved based on this input. Unfortunately, despite repeated directives from the highest levels of the administration, departments have failed to address these queries promptly. This lapse can result in unfavourable remarks in the final report presented to the public, creating the impression that the CAG’s objections are accurate and that the departments did not adhere to prescribed procedures. This situation is a matter of grave concern and can potentially lead to the suspension or withholding of current and future grants or centralised schemes for the UT. Similarly, all data related to centralised schemes must be promptly uploaded, and any accrued interest should be deposited into the centralised pool without delay. These measures are implemented to ensure the utmost accountability and transparency in handling taxpayers’ money, given that the grants as well as the interest accrued are significant.
The Chief Secretary deserves credit for recognising the critical nature of this situation and for actively pushing departments to respond to the remaining Audit Paras within the specified timeframe. Given that the number of pending paras is substantial compared to those already addressed, sincere and immediate efforts must be made to meet the deadline. Jammu and Kashmir has undergone a transformation where accountability and transparency are paramount. There’s no room for complacency or last-minute rushes, as these matters are of significant concern and carry their own consequences if not addressed promptly. It’s crucial to approach CAG queries with the utmost seriousness and urgency, taking them at face value, to ensure the responsible handling of these matters.
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