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Shimla, Nov 21 (IANS) Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Friday described the institution of Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) as an indispensable pillar of democracy and said the credibility of governance depends on the diligence and impartiality of accounting and audit professionals.
He stressed that his “vigilance translates policies into results, ultimately benefiting citizens who rely on them through their tax contributions”.
The Governor was addressing the inaugural function of Audit Week – 2025 organized by the CAG Offices of India here on the theme “A Collaborative Commitment towards Good Governance and Fiscal Prudence”.
Congratulating the officers and staff of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department, the Governor described the institution as an indispensable pillar of democracy, which upheld the principles of accountability, transparency and good governance.
He said the institution ensures that public resources are not only spent legitimately but also directed towards public welfare. This, he said, strengthens the foundation of trust between the state and its residents.
Governor Shukla stressed that the Audit Week “serves not merely as a formal event, but as a moment of introspection on constitutional responsibilities”.
He said the CAG acts as a watchdog of financial accountability, ensuring integrity, transparency and public interest in every expenditure of public money.
Technical sessions, discussions and formal events under Audit Week provide an avenue to review past efforts and strengthen audit practices for the future, he said.
Appreciating the contribution of the department towards financial transparency in Himachal Pradesh, the Governor said that meticulous documentation, fact-based reports and informed recommendations assist in better decision making and facilitate good governance.
He said that in a hilly state like Himachal, where infrastructure, remote service delivery, environmental risks and natural disasters present complex challenges, audit interventions become even more important to ensure solid delivery of public schemes and projects at the grassroots level.
He expressed satisfaction that audit offices in Himachal have adopted digital workflows, hybrid audit models and data analytics to enhance accuracy, efficiency and transparency. He said audit excellence “depends on the competency of its officers, and it is a matter of pride that such a premier national training academy is located in Shimla”.
Director General of National Academy of Audit and Accounts S. Alok said the interactive sessions are designed to ensure that the audit findings and recommendations are practical, actionable and well-understood.
He highlighted that the Institute is building a modern digital audit system that balances tradition with innovation with a focus on risk-based, citizen-centric and result-oriented auditing.
The department aims to strengthen the state’s development efforts by addressing emerging areas such as climate change, sustainable development goals and social inclusion.
–IANS
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