Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India highlighted a critical aspect of governance that often goes underappreciated-strengthening local Governments. CAG underscored the pivotal role of local Governments in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), fostering grassroots engagement, and promoting citizen ownership and accountability. Local Governments, encompassing approximately 2.5 lakh panchayats and 7,000 municipal corporations in India, are the backbone of the country’s administrative framework. They operate at the grassroots level, directly interacting with citizens and addressing their immediate needs. By empowering these entities, a robust foundation for economic growth, sustainable development, and effective policy implementation is laid. CAG’s emphasis on capacity building for local Government auditors through iCAL (the International Centre for Audit of Local Governance) is particularly noteworthy. Auditors play a crucial role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and the efficient use of resources. This focus on technical guidance and support aligns with the broader vision of decentralisation enshrined in the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, which empower panchayats and municipalities with substantial authority and responsibility.
The inauguration of iCAL marks a significant step towards creating a collaborative platform for policymakers, administrators, and auditors involved in local governance. The centre aims to foster leadership development, ethical decision-making, and the sharing of best practices through interactive workshops, knowledge-sharing sessions, and peer exchanges. This initiative enriches the collective expertise of local Government officials and promotes cross-cultural understanding and the adoption of innovative approaches to emerging challenges. Furthermore, iCAL’s collaboration with other Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) and international bodies to explore standards for local Government audits is a commendable initiative. Establishing globally recognised benchmarks for quality and integrity in local Government audits will ensure that best practices and methodologies are consistently applied, thereby enhancing the credibility and effectiveness of local governance. Empowering local Governments through capacity building, collaborative platforms, and international standards will enhance their ability to address global challenges, such as climate change and the preservation of the blue economy. It will also ensure that local governance reflects the aspirations of citizens, thereby promoting transparency, accountability, and efficient public administration.
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