Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) Girish Chandra Murmu urged officials to think creatively, embrace innovative approaches, and stay adaptable to the evolving technological and governance landscape. He highlighted the growing reliance on AI and emerging technologies for service delivery, stressing the risks involved, including privacy breaches, algorithmic biases, and the potential for social exclusion.
"...as an organisation, we are deeply cognisant of these developments and are engaging closely with emerging technological trends for enhancing the effectiveness of auditing and accounting practices in such a landscape," he said at the 4th Audit Diwas celebrations in Delhi on Saturday.
In his address, Murmu emphasised the importance of thinking creatively and embracing innovation within the CAG's offices. He encouraged officers to "think outside the box," experiment with new techniques, and adapt to the rapidly changing technological and governance landscape. This approach, he said, would foster creativity in auditing methodologies, improve operational efficiency, and ultimately enhance the effectiveness of the institution's functions.
Inaugurating the 4th Audit Diwas celebrations, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla praised the CAG for its rich legacy, noting its evolution into a globally recognised institution renowned for its credibility and distinctiveness. Birla also commended the CAG's proactive adoption of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, which has significantly strengthened its audit processes and bolstered transparency.
Birla highlighted the transformative role of auditing over the years, emphasising its critical contribution to financial discipline, transparency, and good governance. He also underscored the vital role of parliamentary committees, often chaired by senior opposition members, in scrutinising audit reports, facilitating constructive discussions, and ensuring accountability in government finances.
In his speech, Murmu elaborated on the institution's focus on audits of social relevance, underscoring their impact on people's lives and livelihoods. He also spoke about the institutional mechanisms in place to streamline and synchronise audit efforts across various stages of the audit process.
Murmu also highlighted the significant achievement of the CAG, which will assume the chairmanship of the Asian Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) for the 2024-2027 term, marking a milestone in the institution's global leadership.
Audit Diwas commemorates the appointment of India’s first Auditor General in 1860 and celebrates 164 years of the CAG's contributions to financial oversight and the promotion of good governance in India.