Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla said that the credibility of democratic governance depends greatly on the integrity, diligence and impartiality of accounting and audit institutions. He noted that it is their vigilance that converts public policies into meaningful outcomes, ultimately benefiting citizens who contribute to nation-building through taxes.
He was speaking at the inauguration of Audit Week 2025, organized by the offices of the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) of India on the theme “A Collaborative Commitment Towards Good Governance and Financial Prudence.”
Congratulating the officers and staff of the Indian Audit & Accounts Department, the Governor described the C&AG as a crucial pillar of democracy, safeguarding accountability, transparency and good governance. He said the institution ensures that public resources are not only spent lawfully but also used for public welfare, thereby strengthening the trust between the State and its people.
The Governor said Audit Week provides an opportunity for introspection and reinforces constitutional responsibilities. He termed the C&AG as the watchdog of financial accountability, ensuring honesty, transparency and public interest in every expenditure of public funds. He added that the technical sessions and deliberations held during the week help assess past performance and chart pathways to strengthen future audit practices.
Appreciating the department’s contribution to financial transparency in Himachal Pradesh, Shukla said that accurate documentation and evidence-based reports support better decision-making. In a mountainous state like Himachal, he noted, audit becomes even more critical due to challenges such as difficult terrain, infrastructure gaps, environmental vulnerability and disaster risks. Effective audits ensure that government schemes and projects reach grassroots beneficiaries.
Expressing satisfaction over the adoption of digital workflows, hybrid audit methods and data analytics, the Governor said these innovations enhance accuracy, efficiency and transparency. He added that audit excellence depends on the capability of officers and expressed pride in having a premier national training academy located in Shimla.
Commending the neutrality and sincerity of audit professionals, he urged them to continue serving the nation with integrity and dedication.
Director General of the National Academy of Audit & Accounts S. Alok outlined the activities planned during Audit Week, highlighting interactive sessions aimed at making audit findings more practical and actionable. He said the institution is working toward a modern, digital, risk-based and citizen-centric audit system addressing emerging areas such as climate change, sustainable development goals and social inclusion.
Director Pushpalata proposed the vote of thanks.
Later, the Governor visited the heritage building Gorton Castle and viewed a documentary on its history.
Principal Accountant General (Audit) Purushottam Tiwari, Secretary to Governor Chandra Prakash Verma, and senior state government officials were present on the occasion.
