New Delhi: A three-day international conference on Strengthening Grassroots Democracy and Accountability will commence in Delhi on Wednesday. The conference will bring together representatives from Supreme Audit Institutions of 10 countries including India.
The purpose of this conference is to strengthen the audit of local governments and to promote transparency and accountability in the development and implementation of schemes and projects by local bodies.
At present, the number of local bodies in India is more than 2,62,000. These local bodies are responsible for managing various schemes and projects related to the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals. The autonomy of local bodies is limited due to their dependence on the two higher tiers of governance for functions, funds, and functionaries.
This has led to the problem of ‘out-of-the-box’ audit approach. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), Girish Chandra Murmu, said the conference is being held to introduce the concept of ‘out-of-the-box’ audit approach and to emphasize the importance of transparency and accountability in local governance.
‘For this vital form of governance to thrive, transparency and accountability are inextricably intertwined with it, ensuring the voices of the people are heeded at the very foundation of governance’, Murmu said.
He further added that the purpose of this conference is to enhance the well-being of ordinary citizens and to strengthen local governance audit systems. The conference will provide a platform to share ideas, experiences, and knowledge about local governance auditing. This will help in strengthening local governance, amplifying the voice of the people, and strengthening grassroots democracy.
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