CAG have to further enhance its capabilities, skills: PM Manmohan Singh

NEW DELHI - The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh on Tuesday said the institution of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has to further enhance its capabilities and its skills and re-orient itself to deliver results that our nation expects of it in the years that lie ahead.

Addressing the gathering at the inaugural function of the celebrations of 150th anniversary of the institution of Comptroller and Auditor General of India in the national capital, Dr. Singh said: “The reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General are taken very seriously by the media, by the public, by the government and by our Parliament. This casts a huge responsibility on the institution to ensure that its reports are accurate, balanced and fair.”

President Pratibha Devisingh Patil inaugurated the celebrations.

Dr. Singh hailed the institution of CAG and congratulated all those who are associated with the institution.

“The institution has served our country very well as an independent, competent and credible audit institution. I congratulate all those who have been associated with this institution for their solid achievements,” said Dr. Singh.

He also said that concerns regarding the inadequate and delayed response to the reports of the CAG, the Ministry of Finance has taken a number of initiatives which will lead to an improvement in this area.

The Prime Minister also said the benefits of detailed propriety audit cannot be under-estimated.

“There is a case for allocating limited time and resources in a manner that big and systemic issues get due attention and we get much greater value for money spent,” said Dr. Singh.

He also mentioned two developments, which have altered the patterns of spending public money phenomena.

The first being the progressive devolution of powers and resources to the Panchayati Raj Institutions and the other development is the increasing number of Public Private Partnership projects both in the Centre and in the States.

Dr. Singh also hoped that with time, Public Private Partnership would be increasingly used in diverse areas.

“There is a need to improve the structure of Public Private Partnership arrangements to ensure that they are transparent, ensure adequate competitiveness and adequately safeguard the public interest. I expect that the Comptroller and Auditor General will play a leading role in ensuring that these new initiatives deliver as intended,” said Dr. Singh.

The Prime Minister showed great faith in the institution and acknowledged the contribution made by the CAG and the Indian Audit and Accounts Service in ensuring accountability in the processes of government.

“I have great faith in this institution and I expect it to pay its rightful role in our efforts towards a prosperous and equitable future for our people,” said Dr. Singh. (ANI)