Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla exhorted to adopt humane approach in life while practicing truthfulness as public servants. He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of officer's trainee programme of the Indian Audit and Accounts Services batch of 2023 and celebration of Audit week at Gaiety theatre, here today.
"As public servants, you are expected to take fiscal measures for welfare of the Nation and also accountable for strengthening the economy" said the governor. He said that the resources invested, often considered borrowed from our future generations, demand the utmost diligence and effective utilization for the welfare of the less fortunate. In this pursuit, the role of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) becomes more pivotal.
“Each audit engagement provides a unique opportunity to gain profound insights into systems, positioning you to suggest enhancements that will earnestly be considered by the governments. Your role contributes directly to elevating our public service delivery standards,” said Sh. Shukla.
The Governor encouraged them to actively engage with state governments, consulting them in addressing issues related to financial reporting and accountability frameworks at the grassroots level. He also advised them to keep pace with the evolving technology and expressed confidence that the CAG is fully committed to this pursuit. He said that in the present context knowledge and information were invaluable commodities. “The acquisition of knowledge will determine your wealth, and as public servants, this holds even more relevance,” he added.
He said that as public servant, the greatest satisfaction is derived from serving the poorest and bringing smile on their faces. “Your constitutional duty must always be accompanied by a prudential approach laden with mutual empathy,” he added. He said that the independence enshrined in our Constitution was a treasure to be cherished, and your role as young officers was to add greater values to it through professionalism. He encouraged them to be constant learners, adapting to the evolving knowledge landscape.
Manish Kumar, Director General of National Academy of Audit & Accounts (NAA&A), welcomed and honoured the Governor on the occasion.
The Governor also honoured the students who won the essay competition organized during the Audit Week and released the Coffee Table Book of NAA&A, Shimla.
Trainee officers also shared their experience on the occasion.
Ms. Chanda Pandit, Principal Accountant General (Audit) and Kandarp V Patel, Director, Training, also detailed about the course training for the officers and other activities.
Sameer Mehta, Director, NAA&A proposed a vote of thanks.
Sushil Kumar, Principal Accountant General (Accounts & Entitlement) and other senior officers of the Academy were also present on the occasion.