New Delhi, June 4: Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan launched a book titled “When Audit Matters: CAG Interventions That Made a Difference,” edited by former Comptroller and Auditor General Vinod Rai, at a ceremony held at the Vice President’s residence on Wednesday.
During the event, Radhakrishnan emphasized that auditing is a crucial tool for strengthening democracy. He stated that it reassures citizens that public funds are being utilized in accordance with laws, efficiency, and fairness for the public good. He noted that auditing not only aids governments in improving systems and addressing shortcomings but also strengthens the trust between the state and its citizens.
Discussing the importance of ethics in public life, the Vice President remarked that the combination of ethics and auditing can be transformative. It can lead to improvements in public services, efficient use of public resources, greater resilience, and increased public trust. He stressed that ethical governance should serve as the moral foundation of public administration, which is designed to serve the public interest.
Radhakrishnan pointed out that India’s traditions of accountability and ethical governance are deeply rooted in the concepts of religion, statecraft, and civic duty. These ideals are reflected in Indian epics and scriptures. The principles of financial oversight and accountability are articulated in Kautilya’s Arthashastra. He noted that these ideals were institutionalized through the Constitution after independence, establishing an independent Comptroller and Auditor General under the rule of law, financial accountability, and parliamentary oversight.
The Vice President also highlighted the significance of the accountability cycle in parliamentary democracy. He explained that it begins with legislative approval of the budget and continues through audits and investigations by public accounts committees. This process establishes a comprehensive framework for fiscal oversight and strengthens democratic control over public finances.
Addressing the need for continuous improvement in auditing systems, Radhakrishnan emphasized the importance of training, technology upgrades, performance evaluation, data analysis, and regional expertise. He also stated that auditors must adhere to the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct.
Radhakrishnan commended Vinod Rai and his colleagues for compiling the experiences of former senior audit officials and presenting significant audit stories in an engaging style. He mentioned that this publication analyzes governance and accountability in South Asia as part of a project initiated by the South Asian Studies Institute at the National University of Singapore.
He expressed confidence that the book will be widely read and discussed, enriching public discourse and reinforcing the enduring significance of institutional accountability in a vibrant democracy.
Notable attendees included former Comptroller and Auditor General Vinod Rai, Director of the South Asian Studies Institute Dr. Iqbal Singh Sevea, Managing Director of Rupa Publications Mr. Kapish Mehra, former senior officials of the accounting services who contributed to the book, and other distinguished guests.
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