Odisha MLAs Call for Tougher Audits at National PAC Conference in Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram: Odisha legislators participating in the All India Conference of Chairpersons and Members of Public Accounts Committees (PACs) in Kerala called for stronger audit mechanisms, greater transparency, and enhanced accountability in the use of public funds.
The conference, held in Thiruvananthapuram, brought together representatives from Parliament and state legislatures to discuss the theme, “Audit, Accountability and Good Governance: The Evolving Role of PAC.”
Addressing the gathering, Odisha Legislative Assembly PAC Chairperson Pramila Mallick emphasised the importance of transparency, accountability, and sound financial management in government expenditure.
She highlighted the PAC’s critical role in scrutinising public spending, monitoring the utilisation of government funds, and strengthening democratic governance through legislative oversight.
Mallick stated that every rupee of public money should be utilised effectively for public welfare and national development.
She underlined the need for robust mechanisms to ensure that government expenditures remain aligned with their intended objectives and deliver measurable benefits to citizens.
Odisha MLA and PAC member Arun Kumar Sahu stressed the need to evaluate the effectiveness of PACs in fulfilling their oversight responsibilities.
He called for the timely completion of audit exercises and advocated strict action against individuals found responsible for financial irregularities.
The conference focused on strengthening audit systems, enhancing legislative scrutiny of public expenditure, and promoting good governance across the country.
Discussions also centered on improving coordination among PACs, adopting digital tools for monitoring audit observations, and ensuring faster implementation of recommendations.
The event was attended by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Parliamentary PAC Chairman K.C. Venugopal, and representatives from multiple states and Union Territories.
Odisha’s delegation also included MLAs Ramachandra Kadam and Amar Kumar Nayak, along with Assembly Secretary Satyabrata Rout.
The conference concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening public financial oversight and reinforcing accountability mechanisms to ensure transparent and efficient use of taxpayer funds.
