Last Updated on November 4, 2026 5:38 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
AMN / Thiruvananthapuram
Delivering the valedictory address at the conclusion of the two-day Conference of Chairpersons of Public Accounts Committees (PACs) of Parliament and State/UT Legislatures in Thiruvananthapuram, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla called for greater technological integration in legislative committee operations. Proposing a common digital Audit Monitoring Platform for state legislatures modeled on the parliamentary system, he emphasized that such a mechanism would streamline audit observations, fortify follow-up, and accelerate the disposal of audit reports.
While highlighting technology as a catalyst for institutional transparency and efficiency, Shri Birla cautioned against overdependence on digital systems. He stressed that technological tools must remain anchored in human wisdom, values, and judgment. Maintaining data accuracy, authenticity, and impartiality, he noted, is vital to preserving public trust in technology-driven governance.
Echoing suggestions by Lok Sabha PAC Chairman Shri K. C. Venugopal, the Speaker advocated for a unified, comprehensive audit and evaluation system across Parliament and state legislatures to resolve shared operational bottlenecks.
Key Highlights & Recommendations
- Role of Public Accounts Committees: While the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) conducts independent audits, PACs perform detailed factual scrutiny to enforce accountability. Shri Birla urged the Executive to accord high priority to PAC recommendations, ensuring audit findings translate into tangible administrative reforms.
- The Keralam Resolution: Adopted at the conference, the resolution establishes a strategic roadmap for enhancing financial discipline, transparent governance, and institutional capabilities across both Union and state levels.
- Focus on Outcome-Oriented Oversight: With expanding public investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and rural development, legislative scrutiny must evaluate actual scheme delivery, timelines, and quality rather than just monetary outlays.
- Capacity Building & Knowledge Sharing: Shri Birla called for ongoing professional development for PAC members, officers, and CAG staff to effectively leverage digital tools. He also urged regular institutional exchanges to replicate state-level best practices, acknowledging contributions from the 27 participating states.
Concluding his address, the Lok Sabha Speaker remarked that the ultimate success of the conference lies in converting the deliberations and the Keralam Resolution into sustained institutional action to safeguard public funds with prudence and integrity.