IMPHAL, November 16: “Sound management of a nation`s finances is an essential condition of political stability and social welfare” stated the Governor of Manipur Gurbachan Jagat while attending the 150th anniversary of the institution of the Comptroller and Auditor General as the chief guest at the office premises of the Accountant General, today.
The observation was also attended by opposition leader Radhabinod Koijam and AG Manipur H Stefan as the guest of honour and president respectively.
Further speaking on the occasion, the Governor stated that “I am very happy to be with you all here this morning on the occasion to mark the end of the 150th Anniversary Year of the Institution of the Comptroller and Auditor General. At the outset, I convey my best wishes to all officers and staff of the Institution on this occasion”.
He further stated that history has shown that government come to grief if they overlook sound economic management. In a democratic State, the legislature votes the grants and the executive is given the responsibilities to spend the fund so granted in a proper and systematic manner. The Comptroller and Auditor General and his officers are expected to see that these grants are spent for the purposes for which they are voted by the Legislatures and in conformity with the various laws, rules and regulations in force”.
The Governor further observed that in a democratic Constitution, it is essential to ensure that governments are responsible and comply with the various laws passed by the legislatures”.
He further added that it is the function of the AG department to see that diverse authorities act with regard to all financial matters in accordance with the Constitution and laws and rules framed thereunder.
“Over and above the high technical competence, a certain detachment from party politics, fidelity to the interests of the people and fearlessness are expected from the Audit and Accounts officials”.
Further elaborating on the functions of the department the Governor added “We look to them to expose incompetence and mal-administration and wastage. Our resources are limited and we have to make them go far. We cannot afford waste of any kind and there should be no room for culpable incompetence”.
“The high degree of professional skill, competence, credibility and confidence that the institution of Comptroller and Auditor General enjoys as the Supreme Audit Institution of the country is unquestioned. With its vast experience, deep insight and wealth of information, the Institution plays a significant role not only as a watchdog in financial matters but also in revamping systems in Government to meet the challenges of this 21st century”.
“The 150th anniversary celebrations are an occasion to sensitize the stakeholders about the functions of the C&AG; and evolve the ways that would serve as vanguard for better governance.I am confident the Institution will go a long way in achieving its aims and objectives. I thank the organizers for inviting me to this function and giving me this opportunity of sharing some of my views today” the Governor ended.
