India Hosts 16th ASOSAI Assembly: Advancing Audit Excellence

ASOSAI Assembly and India's Leadership

• The 16th Assembly of the Asian Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) was inaugurated on September 2  4, 2024, in New Delhi, India.
• President Droupadi Murmu graced the opening ceremony, emphasizing the importance of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) in ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, Girish Chandra Murmu, assumed the chairmanship of ASOSAI for the 2024-2027 term.
• The assembly hosted over 200 delegates from 42 countries and international organizations, showcasing ASOSAI's collaborative nature.
• This event marks a full circle moment, as the first ASOSAI Assembly was also held in New Delhi in May 1979.
• ASOSAI, founded in 1979 with 11 members, has grown to include 48 SAIs and operates under the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI).

Role of SAIs in Modern Governance

• President Murmu highlighted the expanding mandate of public sector audits beyond traditional roles.
• SAIs now assess the effectiveness of public welfare schemes and projects, ensuring equitable service to all citizens.
• The CAG of India was praised for its key role in maintaining transparency and accountability in public finance.
• The President emphasized the need for audits to keep pace with technological evolution to perform oversight functions effectively.
• She stressed the importance of SAIs in safeguarding public funds and enhancing public confidence in governance.
• The assembly aimed to improve the effectiveness of public audits, accountability, and best practices in government operations.

Digital Public Infrastructure and Inclusion

• A one-day symposium focused on "Digital Public Infrastructure and Gender Divide – Issues of Inclusion and Accessibility."
• President Murmu addressed the critical juncture where emerging digital technologies are becoming the backbone of modern governance.
• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) was highlighted as a foundation for enhancing digital economy and citizen services.
• The President raised concerns about the digital divide, particularly affecting women and vulnerable sections of society.
• SAIs were called upon to ensure that digital public infrastructure is designed and implemented inclusively and accessibly.
• The symposium explored how technological advancements can address gender disparities in accessing public services.