India Takes Leadership in Audit of Local Governance Institutes with Inauguration of iCAL by CAG

India is taking a significant step towards strengthening the audit of local governance institutes with the inauguration of the International Centre for Audit of Local Governance (iCAL) by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, G C Murmu. In a formal ceremony held in Rajkot, Murmu emphasized the importance of enhancing transparency and accountability in local bodies through proper auditing.

Murmu highlighted the role of local bodies in governance, citing examples from western countries where local bodies play a crucial role in decision-making. He noted that despite the constitutional amendments made in India in 1993 to decentralize governance through Panchayati Raj Institutions and urban local bodies, there is still work to be done in empowering these institutions.

The establishment of iCAL is seen as a significant step towards strengthening local governance through effective auditing practices. Murmu mentioned that iCAL will not only train auditors and officials from local bodies in India but also from around the world, serving as a platform for sharing knowledge and best practices in auditing.

The CAG also highlighted the role of India in providing assistance to countries in the global south and less developed countries in the West in their auditing operations. iCAL will be the third international centre set up by CAG, following the International Centre for Information Systems and Audits in Noida and the International Centre for Environment Audit and Sustainable Development.

Plans are already in place to construct a separate building for iCAL in Rajkot, which will house training facilities and accommodations for trainees. With iCAL set to lead the way in auditing local governance institutes, India is poised to take on a leadership role in promoting transparency and accountability at the grassroots level.