Dimapur, October 28 (MExN): As part of the vigilance awareness week, on October 27, 2010, Dy. Accountant General (Audit), Atul Prakash delivered speech on important topics on social audit and participatory audit.
On social audit, he explained the benefits and stated the CAG has accepted the social audit as part of audit framework as demands were made by social organisation nationwide. It was asked to CAG to guide them so that their findings are more relevant. This was done to strengthen the audit with the help of social audit institutions or civil societies etc. A press release issued by the Office of the Accountant General (Audit), stated that ‘he asked social audit institutions to come with suggestions to AG office so that we can formally incorporate their social audit while planning auditing as well as giving reports. This will bring better governance through participation.’
On participatory audit, he explained the shortage of time as well as non awareness of local issues by roaming audit party’s thus limiting findings to the grass root level and even remote areas. “People do complain and we take their valuable inputs while auditing and he thanked those people for their role in governance through anonymously,” he added while thanking the office people also who give vital inputs for audit through their social circle. He explained Accountant General (Audit) conducts audit on the account of the various functionaries, autonomous bodies and local bodies and highlights issues of fraudulent, irregular, unauthorized expenditure etc before the state legislative citizens, NGOs, civil societies and even government servants are unable to bring up such issues to the correct authority due to complex government set up. The aim is to see that public money is spent judiciously and economically and as per prescribed rule. Hence, it was requested to all citizens to actively participate in the auditing of government organisation through this innovative method.
He also explained the modalities; Deputy Accountant General (Audit) shall be the nodal officer for any such complaints, information, etc. Any such frauds, irregularities, etc, may be informed to him. There is already a team who looks any complaint made by citizen properly and guide audit planning to take units. He stated that it would require specific and relevant information such as File No., date, nature of observation, etc, for taking up in audit plan accordingly. The evidence/information provided should be genuine. Physical evidence, if available, like photographs may also be provided. “We don’t expect that people should sign with their names; this office seeks correct information for taking any audit. Such information shall be treated with highly confidential. The information may be addressed to DY AG by name and designation always and marking “Confidential” must be written on the cover of the envelope,” the statement added.
It also added that they can email or fax it to Atul Prakash, Deputy Accountant General (Audit), O/o Accountant General (Audit), Nagaland- Kohima; Phone 0370-2222809, Fax: 0370-2244788, Email id: dagaudit@gmail.com or atulprakash.jaas@gmail.com.
