Transparency bedrock of good governance: CAG

New Delhi, February 28

Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India Girish Chandra Murmu inaugurated a three-day international conference on strengthening of grassroots democracy at the CAG’s headquarters on Wednesday.

While addressing the conference, the CAG remarked that good local governance that relies on the core principles of transparency, inclusivity and accountability is the cornerstone of grassroots democracy. “These principles are not mere ideals, but the bedrock upon which the edifice of good governance stands,” he added.

The CAG said that local governments were the most important link in the spectrum of governance. These institutions were necessary for the advancement of society and improving the lives of citizens, he stated.

He said, “It is at this level that the aspirations, concerns and needs of the people are most acutely felt and addressed. It is here that local-level planning of developmental programmes is undertaken.”

“These bodies are the first ones to respond to calamities and pandemics and are vital for the implementation of the sustainable development goals,” he stated.

The CAG said that India’s local governments depend on the Centre and state governments for funds, functions and functionaries, calling for an ‘out of the box’ audit approach. H India has 2,62,000 local institutions. This third tier of government implements several centrally-sponsored schemes and projects. Given its growing importance, the Union Finance Commission allows for direct devolution of funds of around 4.2 per cent of the total divisible pool to the third tier.

The CAG also released a book titled ‘Local Governance in India – Initiatives and Opportunities’ at the inaugural function. The book highlights India’s challenges and key advancements in the sphere of local governance.

Besides India which is the host country, the event is bringing together representatives from audit institutions of 10 countries —- Georgia, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Morocco, Nepal, Oman, Poland, South Africa and Uganda.

Book launched

The CAG also released a book titled ‘Local Governance in India – Initiatives and Opportunities’ at the inaugural function. The book highlights India’s challenges and key advancements in the sphere of local governance.