Team Goemkarponn
KERALAM: Goa MLAs Govind Gaude and Ulhas Tuenkar recently participated in the Conference of Chairpersons of the Public Accounts Committees (PACs) of Parliament and State and Union Territory Legislatures, held at the Keralam Legislative Assembly in Thiruvananthapuram, Keralam.
The conference, organised by the Lok Sabha Secretariat in coordination with the Keralam Legislature Secretariat, brought together PAC chairpersons from Parliament and various State and Union Territory Legislatures to deliberate on strengthening legislative oversight, financial accountability and transparency in public administration.
The central theme of the conference was ‘Audit, Accountability and Good Governance – The Evolving Role of the Public Accounts Committee’.
During the conference, Goa MLA Govind Gaude addressed the gathering and highlighted the significant role played by Public Accounts Committees in ensuring accountability in the utilisation of public funds and promoting transparency in governance.
Gaude said the PAC was one of the most important instruments of legislative financial oversight. By examining audit reports and scrutinising government expenditure, the committee ensures that public money is utilised judiciously, efficiently and in accordance with the principles of financial propriety.
He also emphasised the need to strengthen the functioning of PACs through timely examination of audit observations, effective follow-up of recommendations and greater coordination between the legislature, executive and audit institutions.
Gaude stressed that the role of PACs should not be restricted to identifying financial irregularities but should also focus on improving administrative efficiency, preventing the recurrence of shortcomings and ensuring better delivery of public services.
The deliberations provided a platform for representatives from different legislatures to exchange experiences, share best practices and discuss emerging challenges in parliamentary and legislative financial oversight.
The participation of the Goa MLAs reflected the Goa Legislative Assembly’s engagement in discussions on strengthening democratic institutions, promoting financial discipline and upholding transparency and accountability in governance.
The conference concluded with an emphasis on the evolving role of Public Accounts Committees in strengthening legislative scrutiny and ensuring that public resources are utilised in the larger interest of citizens.
