Address by the Hon’ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu on the Occasion of Call on by Iaas Officer Trainees of 2021 & 2022 Batches at National Academy of Audit & Accounts, Shimla

It gives me immense pleasure to be among you at National Academy of Audit and Accounts, the institution that nurtures the country’s sentinels of financial propriety. You are also responsible for sound financial management of the institutions under your purview. I congratulate you all for clearing the civil services examination and making it to the prestigious service.

It is indeed a matter of pride for you to have got the opportunity to enforce principles of accountability and transparency as officers of the Comptroller and Auditor General and the Indian Audit and Accounts Department. The role of the supreme audit institution is not just limited to providing oversight but also to providing necessary inputs to informed policy making. The CAG through the Indian Audit and Accounts Department and its able officers has been effectively pursuing both these objectives. It is incumbent upon you to continue to uphold the ideals of the Constitution and work with integrity and commitment towards nation building.

Dear Officers,

I have been informed that the National Academy of Audit and Accounts has been training officers from India, Bhutan and Maldives, thus imparting the virtues of accountability and professionalism not only within the country but also in our friendly neighbourhood. I am confident that the elaborate training that you have undergone has primed your young minds to take up the responsibilities and challenges awaiting you in your professional domain.

The Indian Audit and Accounts Service has an widespread presence across the country, in order to achieve uniformity in financial reporting, accountability, and providing assurance to the organs of governance about the use of our public resources. Your service aids both central and state governments with their accounting and audit inputs which act as deterrent to deviations and as pointers for public policy formulation from time to time.

I am happy to know about the work being done for digitisation of the audit process. The recent launch of the One Indian Audit & Accounts Department One System (OIOS), a web-enabled IT application with support for multiple languages and a mobile app is a praiseworthy initiative in line with the vision of Digital India. Technologies such as blockchains, data analytics, virtual audit rooms etc. can be used widely for ensuring transparency and compliance. But technology cannot and should not replace the need for human intervention. You, the young officers should understand the value of human touch and sensitivity towards issues concerning the nation and its citizens, while taking decisions and implementing policies.

Dear young officers,

I am delighted to see that women officers constitute about 45 percent of the group of officers present here. I am also told that you represent different regions of the country and also have diverse educational backgrounds. I am confident that the skill sets gained by you during the training at this prestigious institution when paired with your diverse educational backgrounds will help you perform your roles as accountants, auditors and advisors with greater understanding and effectiveness. I urge you to contribute positively through constructive criticism and critical thinking towards ensuring improvement and efficiency in the governance system.

I am happy to note that the officers of the Indian Audit and Accounts Service are currently engaged as external auditors in various prestigious international and multilateral organisations like the International Atomic Energy Agency, Food and Agricultural Organisation, World Health Organisation and have established global credibility in the public sector auditing. I am sure that you as young officers will draw inspiration from this global recognition and strive hard towards realizing the vision of providing independent and credible assurance on public resources.

Dear Officers,

You should ensure the highest levels of integrity and knowledge both in professional and personal spheres. The primary objective of audit should be to improve the processes and policies rather than to be a fault-finding exercise. Therefore, it is essential to communicate the audit recommendations with clarity and conviction. This will help reform and refine the public services and their delivery for the maximum benefit of the citizens. You should always keep in mind the well-being of the citizens of the country and ensure fairness in your approach. You will be contributing in a big way in India’s further ascent and development in Amrit Kaal. I would also urge you to maintain your physical, mental and professional well-being at all times to be able to perform your personal and professional duties with greater efficiency.

I wish you all a bright future and illustrious career ahead.

Thank you!
Jai Hind!
Jai Bharat!