CAG Calls for Timely Financial Reforms

Comptroller and Auditor General Girish Chandra Murmu urged for the advancement of monthly account finalization by the 10th of each month instead of the 25th at the State Finance Secretaries Conference. He emphasized harmonizing expenditure classifications and integrating financial management applications for robust public financial management.

Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Girish Chandra Murmu pressed stakeholders to advance the deadline for finalizing state monthly accounts to the 10th of each month, a change from the previous 25th. This appeal was made during the inaugural State Finance Secretaries Conference.

Murmu's address highlighted the necessity of harmonizing the expenditure classifications at the 'Object Heads' level across both state and central governments, which has been a long-discussed issue among stakeholders.

Emphasizing the importance of robust engagement, Murmu noted that reforms in financial management systems like Central PFMS and State IFMS should interface with CAG's applications for timely and reliable reporting. Deputy CAG Jayant Sinha announced that the conference will become an annual event to engage more deeply on public financial management issues.

(With inputs from agencies.)