President Droupadi Murmu expressed her confidence in the capabilities of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) to ensure the efficiency and integrity of public funds. This statement was made during the opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) Assembly, as reported by a PIB press release.
Importance of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)
In her address, the President underscored the vital role of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India in promoting transparency and accountability in public finance. She emphasized that the CAG’s office has been instrumental in safeguarding public funds and enhancing public confidence in governance.
Expanding Role of Public Sector Audits
President Murmu noted that the mandate of public sector audits has significantly evolved. Beyond traditional auditing, it now includes evaluating the effectiveness of public welfare schemes and projects. She stressed the necessity for the audit function to adapt to technological advancements to ensure effective oversight.
Digital Inclusivity Concerns
The President raised concerns about the widening gap in access to digital technologies, particularly for women and vulnerable communities. She highlighted the imperative for Supreme Audit Institutions to ensure that digital public infrastructure is designed and implemented to be inclusive and accessible for all citizens.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What event did President Droupadi Murmu address on September 24, 2024?
- A) 16th Asian Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) Assembly
- B) National Finance Conference
- C) Annual Government Auditors Summit
- D) Digital Technology Forum
Answer: A) 16th Asian Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) Assembly
- What key role does the CAG of India play according to President Murmu?
- A) Regulating digital technologies
- B) Ensuring transparency and accountability in public finance
- C) Implementing welfare schemes
- D) Auditing private sector entities
Answer: B) Ensuring transparency and accountability in public finance
- What aspect of public sector audits was highlighted by the President?
- A) Its focus solely on financial auditing
- B) Its expansion to include assessing public welfare schemes
- C) Its irrelevance in modern governance
- D) Its traditional auditing practices
Answer: B) Its expansion to include assessing public welfare schemes
- What concern did President Murmu express regarding digital technology?
- A) The rapid advancement of technology
- B) The need for more government funding
- C) The growing gap in access for women and vulnerable sections
- D) The lack of interest from young people
Answer: C) The growing gap in access for women and vulnerable sections
- What did President Murmu emphasize about the design of digital public infrastructure?
- A) It should be cost-effective.
- B) It must prioritize government use.
- C) It should be inclusive and accessible to all.
- D) It should focus on advanced technology only.
Answer: C) It should be inclusive and accessible to all.