Value of audit lies in its contribution to improved governance: CAG Sanjay Murthy

New Delhi: Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India K Sanjay Murthy said the value of audit lies in its contribution to improved governance, effective public financial management and better outcomes for citizens.

He was speaking at the International Conference on 'Supreme Audit Institutions in a Changing World: Vision, Institutional Framework and Innovation' in Ha Noi, Viet Nam.

In his address, Murthy emphasised the need for Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) to remain responsive to a changing governance environment and underscored the importance of anticipating emerging risks, modernising audit methodologies and strengthening institutional capabilities.


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The Conference, held on October 27, was hosted by the State Audit Office of Viet Nam (SAV) and brought together Heads and representatives of SAIs from various countries to deliberate on the evolving role of SAIs, institutional development, emerging audit challenges and innovation in public sector auditing.

During a presentation session, Murthy delivered a keynote address on 'Digital Transformation of Public Audit: Prerequisites, Practice and the Road Ahead - The Experience of SAI India'.

The presentation highlighted India's experience in leveraging its expanding digital infrastructure and government information systems to strengthen public audit, the CAG office said in a release.

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"The CAG highlighted the importance of access to digital records and government databases, standardisation of data, secure data-sharing mechanisms and institutional capacity for undertaking technology-enabled audits," the release said.

Murthy also shared SAI India's experience in leveraging data analytics, artificial intelligence and digital tools to enhance audit coverage, identify risks and improve the quality and timeliness of audits.

The presentation emphasised that technology must complement, and not substitute, professional judgement, and that successful digital transformation requires sustained investment in skills, institutional processes and data governance.

On the sidelines of the Conference, the CAG of India held bilateral meetings with the Heads of SAIs of Viet Nam, Lao PDR, Cambodia and Greece.

As part of its commitment to strengthening the capabilities of the international audit community, SAI India offered participation in its specialised training programmes in data analytics, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

SAI India also conveyed its willingness to extend specialised technical assistance, including deputation of experts to Cambodia for training in data analytics and AI, and sharing of expertise with Viet Nam in areas such as railway audit, IT audit and digital transformation.

The CAG of India, in his capacity as Chair of the Asian Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI), also had a courtesy meeting with the Chairman of the National Assembly of Viet Nam.