India's CAG Takes Helm of Asian Audit Body, Emphasizes Tech and Inclusivity

CAG assumes chairmanship of Asian audit body, promises greater tech focus

New Delhi: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has assumed the chairmanship of the Asian Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) for the 2024-27 period. India, which hosted the 16th assembly of the ASOSAI this week in Delhi, will boost cooperation among the region's supreme audit institutions to address challenges faced by public sector auditors, CAG Girish Chandra Murmu said on Wednesday while briefing media persons. It will enhance focus on technology-driven audit frameworks and the audit of local bodies, he added. A key feature of this year's assembly was a symposium on Wednesday that focused on digital public infrastructure and gender divide, he said. It explored the role of public auditors in addressing disparities in digital access and promoting inclusivity. The governing board meeting of the Asian body has also adopted plans to bolster collaboration among member institutions through capacity-building and the development of IT audit frameworks. "The ongoing events signal a progressive step towards improved governance frameworks in Asia, with special attention on the digital divide and ensuring that public investments in technology serve the needs of all citizens inclusively," Murmu said. A bilateral dialogue between the CAG and the supreme audit institution of Malaysia was also held on public sector auditing. It also focused on cooperation in the field of sustainable development goals and emerging technologies. In his address to the ASOSAI assembly on Tuesday, Murmu also called on public audit bodies to address increasing risks of privacy breaches, algorithmic biases and social exclusion, with governments increasing the adoption of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to deliver services. Set up in 1979 in New Delhi with 11 members, ASOSAI has grown to accommodate 48 supreme audit institutions and emerged as an important regional group under the umbrella of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions. The 16th ASOSAI assembly brought together around 200 delegates from 42 countries, including heads of 22 top audit bodies. "The assembly is a significant milestone in regional cooperation in public auditing, with the focus on enhancing transparency, accountability, and good governance," Murmu said on Wednesday. The assembly was preceded by a series of working-level meetings. These included the fifth ASOSAI Grant Committee meeting, discussions on strategic plans, and capacity development activities, the CAG said. Significant discussions occurred around the mid-term review of ASOSAl's Strategic Plan (2022-2027) and the proposal to create three new working groups--one each on state-owned enterprise, IT audit and data analytics, and on regional and municipal audit. The Indian supreme audit institution will take the lead in the working group on IT audit and data analytics. Murmu said the country's top public audit institution is in the process of putting in place its own artificial intelligence (AI) protocol for faster writing of audit reports. "For data analysis and various other things, we have our own system in place...for the writing (audit reports) we have now started, so we have to see," he said. "Data is collected by our auditors at the field from the records... we have to reclassify according to our requirements in some cases. For that, we run analytics...cleaning is done through the analytics," he added. About 35 audit reports would be tabled in both Parliament and relevant state assemblies during the upcoming winter session, the CAG said in response to a question.

Audit bodies must address growing risks of privacy breaches, social exclusion: CAG Murmu

NEW DELHI: Public audit bodies must address growing risks such as -- privacy breaches, algorithmic biases, and social exclusion, as governments are increasing adopting AI and emerging technologies to deliver services, CAG of India Girish Chandra Murmu said on Tuesday. Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) have the responsibility to scrutinize whether these advancements serve all citizens fairly and inclusively, ensuring no one is left behind, he said in his address to the 16th Assembly of Asian Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions, or the ASOSAI. The impact of climate change alone, expected to cause trillions in economic losses, demands urgent SAI-led audits of adaptation and mitigation strategies, he said. Today more than ever, Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) are at the forefront of critical oversight, ensuring public funds are safeguarded, particularly in times of unprecedented crises, he said. "Whether during the pandemic, in the fight against climate change, or in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), SAIs' role in preserving integrity and accountability has never been more essential. COVID-19 exposed not only vulnerabilities in public health and finance but also highlighted how misappropriations can peak, particularly in pandemic-related spending," he said. Furthermore, he said, SAIs must champion knowledge-sharing, particularly in implementing best practices. "The focus of the public sector audit community on implementation of International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions (ISSAIs) and the leveraging of technology to optimise audit effectiveness are enabling SAIs to not only meet today's challenges but also tomorrow's uncertainties," he said. ASOSAI is one of the seven regional working groups of the International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI). It was established in 1979 with 11 members with the objectives of promoting cooperation among member SAIs through exchange of ideas and experiences in the field of public sector audit; facilitating capacity development for government auditors and promoting closer collaboration and brotherhood among auditors in the audit fraternity. ASOSAI has since grown to 48 members, with SAI India being one of its Charter members. The first Assembly was held here in New Delhi in 1979. Referring to the long history of the institution of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Murmu said, it is more than 160 years old. "Since our independence in 1947, we have worked tirelessly to strengthen our audit capabilities, resources, and most importantly, our skills and competencies to match up with the developments over the years, and challenges emerging from climate change, emerging technologies and crises like Covid-19 pandemic," he said. As a community of public sector auditors, he said, the ASOSAI membership represents shared values and goals of public accountability that bind us together. Over the years, ASOSAI has provided a vibrant platform for exchange of ideas, capacity development of public sector auditors and dissemination of technical and domain knowledge across the membership that has helped to deepen and strengthen the roots of the public sector auditing profession in the member SAI countries, he added.

Audit bodies must address growing risks of privacy breaches, social exclusion: CAG Murmu

Public audit bodies must address growing risks such as privacy breaches, algorithmic biases, and social exclusion, as governments are increasingly adopting AI and emerging technologies to deliver services, CAG of India Girish Chandra Murmu said on Tuesday. Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) have the responsibility to scrutinise whether these advancements serve all citizens fairly and inclusively, ensuring no one is left behind, he said in his address to the 16th Assembly of Asian Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions, or the ASOSAI. Also read: CAG keen to harness AI, data analytics for local government audits too, says Govt Auditor GC Murmu The impact of climate change alone, expected to cause trillions in economic losses, demands urgent SAI-led audits of adaptation and mitigation strategies, he said. Today more than ever, Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) are at the forefront of critical oversight, ensuring public funds are safeguarded, particularly in times of unprecedented crises, he said. "Whether during the pandemic, in the fight against climate change, or in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), SAIs' role in preserving integrity and accountability has never been more essential. COVID-19 exposed not only vulnerabilities in public health and finance but also highlighted how misappropriations can peak, particularly in pandemic-related spending," he said. Furthermore, he said, SAIs must champion knowledge-sharing, particularly in implementing best practices. "The focus of the public sector audit community on implementation of International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions (ISSAIs) and the leveraging of technology to optimise audit effectiveness are enabling SAIs to not only meet today's challenges but also tomorrow's uncertainties," he said. Also read: CAG signs MoU with UAE accountability authority ASOSAI is one of the seven regional working groups of the International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI). It was established in 1979 with 11 members with the objectives of promoting cooperation among member SAIs through exchange of ideas and experiences in the field of public sector audit; facilitating capacity development for government auditors and promoting closer collaboration and brotherhood among auditors in the audit fraternity. ASOSAI has since grown to 48 members, with SAI India being one of its Charter members. The first Assembly was held in New Delhi in 1979. Referring to the long history of the institution of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Murmu said, it is more than 160 years old. "Since our independence in 1947, we have worked tirelessly to strengthen our audit capabilities, resources, and most importantly, our skills and competencies to match up with the developments over the years, and challenges emerging from climate change, emerging technologies and crises like Covid-19 pandemic," he said. As a community of public sector auditors, he said, the ASOSAI membership represents shared values and goals of public accountability that bind us together. Also read: Revive or wind up inactive public sector firms, CAG tells Gujarat govt Over the years, ASOSAI has provided a vibrant platform for exchange of ideas, capacity development of public sector auditors and dissemination of technical and domain knowledge across the membership that has helped to deepen and strengthen the roots of the public sector auditing profession in the member SAI countries, he added. SHARE Copy linkEmailFacebookTwitterTelegramLinkedInWhatsAppRedditPublished on September 24, 2024

Supreme audit Institutions must ensure inclusive digital public infrastructure: President Droupadi Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday (September 24, 2024) said supreme audit institutions (SAI) had the unique responsibility and opportunity to ensure that digital public infrastructure was designed and implemented in a way that was inclusive and accessible to all. Speaking at the opening ceremony of sixth Asian Organisation of Supreme Audit Institution (ASOSAI) Assembly, being organised by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, Ms. Murmu said the financial world was often beset by opaque accounting practices and in that setting, the role of independent supreme audit institutions was to see that public resources were managed efficiently and with the utmost integrity. The President said audits and evaluations by such institutions not only safeguarded public funds but also enhanced public confidence in governance. Stating that in many parts of the world, women and vulnerable sections of the society had less access to digital technologies, fewer opportunities to develop digital skills, and were under-represented in the digital economy, she said the divide not only limited their ability to access essential services but also perpetuated inequality. "This is where the role of SAIs becomes crucial. As auditors, they have the unique responsibility and opportunity to ensure that digital public infrastructure is designed and implemented in a way that is inclusive and accessible to all," she said. Ms. Murmu said the CAG had lived up to the expectations of the Constitution-makers by playing a key role in ensuring transparency and accountability in the country's public finance. She said the mandate of public sector audits had expanded beyond traditional auditing to include assessing the effectiveness of public welfare schemes and projects, ensuring that they serve all citizens equitably. In an increasingly technology-driven world, she said, more and more public services were being delivered using technology. Audit, therefore, needed to keep up with the technological evolution in order to be able to perform its oversight functions effectively. "We are at a critical juncture where emerging digital technologies like artificial intelligence, data analytics, machine learning and geo-spatial technology are becoming the backbone of modern governance. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) serves as the foundation to support and enhance the functioning of the digital economy and services provided to citizens. From digital identities to e-governance platforms, DPI has the potential to revolutionise the delivery of public services and goods, making them more accessible, efficient, and inclusive," she said, as per a CAG release. Welcoming the delegates, CAG of India Girish Chandra Murmu said ASOSAI had become a vital platform for knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and collaboration among the member SAIs. On the sidelines of the event, he held a bilateral meeting with Datuk Wan Suraya Wan Mohd Radzi, Auditor-General of Malaysia, to explore potential collaboration in public sector auditing. He also met Einer Gorrissen, Director-General of the INTOSAI Development Initiative. Published - September 24, 2024 09:09 pm IST Read Comments

President Murmu calls on supreme audit institutions to embrace tech evolution

President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday said that Audit must adapt technological evolution to be able to perform its oversight functions effectively. Addressing the 16th Asian Organisation of Supreme Audit Institution (ASOSAI) Assembly in the capital, Murmu emphasised that this is crucial especially in an increasingly technology-driven world, where more public services are being delivered using technology. Tech backbone She also highlighted that the world is at a critical juncture where emerging digital technologies like artificial intelligence, data analytics, machine learning and geo-spatial technology are becoming the backbone of modern governance. Murmu also said that Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is the foundation to support and enhance the functioning of the digital economy and services provided to citizens. " From digital identities to e-governance platforms, DPI has the potential to revolutionise the delivery of public services and goods, making them more accessible, efficient, and inclusive", Murmu added. Bridging Inequality The President said that in many parts of the world, women and vulnerable sections of society have limited access to digital technologies, fewer opportunities to develop digital skills, and are under-represented in the digital economy. "This divide not only limits their ability to access essential services but also perpetuates inequality. This is where the role of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) becomes crucial. As auditors, they have the unique responsibility and opportunity to ensure that digital public infrastructure is inclusive and accessible to all", she said. The President also said that the mandate of public sector audits has broadened beyond traditional auditing to include assessing the effectiveness of public welfare schemes and projects, ensuring that they serve all citizens equitably. Murmu said that the financial world is often beset by opaque accounting practices. "In this setting, the role of independent Supreme Audit Institutions is to see that public resources are managed efficiently, effectively and with the utmost integrity. Audits and evaluations by SAIs not only safeguard public funds but also enhance public confidence in governance", she added. She congratulated SAI India for assuming the Chairmanship of ASOSAI for the period 2024 to 2027. She expressed confidence that under the able stewardship of the CAG of India, ASOSAI will reach new heights, fostering greater cooperation and innovation among the members. Addressing risks In his address, Girish Chandra Murmu, CAG of India, said "In this digital age, as governments adopt AI and emerging technologies to deliver services, SAIs must address growing risks -- privacy breaches, algorithmic biases, and social exclusion" SAIs have the responsibility to scrutinise whether these advancements serve all citizens fairly and inclusively, ensuring no one is left behind, he said. The impact of climate change alone, expected to cause trillions in economic losses, demands urgent SAI-led audits of adaptation and mitigation strategies, he added. Furthermore, SAIs must champion knowledge-sharing, particularly in implementing best practices. The focus of the public sector audit community on the implementation of International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions (ISSAIs) and the leveraging of technology to optimise audit effectiveness are enabling SAIs to not only meet today's challenges but also tomorrow's uncertainties, he added. SHARE Copy linkEmailFacebookTwitterTelegramLinkedInWhatsAppRedditPublished on September 24, 2024

Audit bodies must address risks of privacy breaches, exclusion: CAG Murmu

Public audit bodies must address growing risks such as -- privacy breaches, algorithmic biases, and social exclusion, as governments are increasing adopting AI and emerging technologies to deliver services, CAG of India Girish Chandra Murmu said on Tuesday. Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) have the responsibility to scrutinize whether these advancements serve all citizens fairly and inclusively, ensuring no one is left behind, he said in his address to the 16th Assembly of Asian Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions, or the ASOSAI. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp The impact of climate change alone, expected to cause trillions in economic losses, demands urgent SAI-led audits of adaptation and mitigation strategies, he said. Today more than ever, Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) are at the forefront of critical oversight, ensuring public funds are safeguarded, particularly in times of unprecedented crises, he said. "Whether during the pandemic, in the fight against climate change, or in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), SAIs' role in preserving integrity and accountability has never been more essential. COVID-19 exposed not only vulnerabilities in public health and finance but also highlighted how misappropriations can peak, particularly in pandemic-related spending," he said. More From This Section ECI delegation meets govt officials to review poll preparedness in J'khand 'PM Modi has challenged us...': Google's Pichai after New York tech meet LIVE: HC rejects CM Siddaramaiah's plea challenging governor's approval for probe in MUDA case Row over OBC list: WB seeks early hearing of its plea against HC verdict TS SET 2024: Answer key out at telanganaset.org; objection window opens Furthermore, he said, SAIs must champion knowledge-sharing, particularly in implementing best practices. "The focus of the public sector audit community on implementation of International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions (ISSAIs) and the leveraging of technology to optimise audit effectiveness are enabling SAIs to not only meet today's challenges but also tomorrow's uncertainties," he said. ASOSAI is one of the seven regional working groups of the International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI). It was established in 1979 with 11 members with the objectives of promoting cooperation among member SAIs through exchange of ideas and experiences in the field of public sector audit; facilitating capacity development for government auditors and promoting closer collaboration and brotherhood among auditors in the audit fraternity. ASOSAI has since grown to 48 members, with SAI India being one of its Charter members. The first Assembly was held here in New Delhi in 1979. Referring to the long history of the institution of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Murmu said, it is more than 160 years old. "Since our independence in 1947, we have worked tirelessly to strengthen our audit capabilities, resources, and most importantly, our skills and competencies to match up with the developments over the years, and challenges emerging from climate change, emerging technologies and crises like Covid-19 pandemic," he said. As a community of public sector auditors, he said, the ASOSAI membership represents shared values and goals of public accountability that bind us together. Over the years, ASOSAI has provided a vibrant platform for exchange of ideas, capacity development of public sector auditors and dissemination of technical and domain knowledge across the membership that has helped to deepen and strengthen the roots of the public sector auditing profession in the member SAI countries, he added. Also Read Kulwant Singh takes charge as Executive Director of regulatory body IBBI ISA 600 dispute: NFRA, ICAI can find common ground, says official Dayjoy's Visionary Founder Divyansh Agarwal Leads the Way in Direct Selling and Wellness Stock Market LIVE Updates: Sensex, Nifty flat; FMCG, Realty drag, Metal up 2%; Broader markets muted PM Modi's US visit: Why did he return without meeting Trump, Kamala Harris?