Govt. information machinery must set agenda for public good in the digital age, CAG tells young officers

Comptroller and Auditor General of India GC Murmu asked young officers of the Indian Information Service (IIS) to be able to work in a manner that improves the image of the country. During an orientation programme with the officer trainees of the Indian Information Service (IIS) the CAG stressed that the public has the right to access fair and objective information, whether it is about the government or otherwise.

Murmu added that the media is a very powerful tool that adds value to society. “In the Indian context, it has helped to disseminate the government’s plans and initiatives,” he said, underlining the importance of building shared understanding of the most pressing issues in governance and also finding possible solutions.

“As officers, you should be able to guide the ministries and departments, the dignitaries and functionaries you are going to cover. Here positioning, marketing and principles will come to play a role,” Murmu said, adding that the CAG’s outreach is now being extended to include political executives to highlight audit concerns.

Meanwhile, with India assuming the presidency of G20 and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) the CAG is now chairing SAI20 (Supreme Audit Institutions) as well as SAI SCO.

In line with the Indian theme of the G20 Presidency- “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth, One Family, One Future”, the CAG has selected two priority areas — ‘Blue Economy’ and ‘Responsible AI’ for deliberations.

Earlier, Murmu also said credible accounting will be crucial as India aims to touch the $5 trillion economy by 2025. Expanded use of technology, upgradation of existing data analysis tools and accounting will be vital, he noted.

Regarded as the guardian of public purse, the CAG has now reached out to all state governments and even the district level administrative bodies seeking cooperation in audit work. It has also started using state of the art technology including drones and other data analytical tools to ensure efficient and accurate auditing.

Also read: CAG wants G-20 auditors on the same page to foster a blue economy