Honest bureaucrats need not fear anything, says CAG

The CAG’s statement came in the midst of Discoms’ audit on three private power distribution companies – BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL), BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL) and North Delhi Power Limited (NDPL) – which is almost complete and will be placed in the next Parliament session, with some final additions.

The three Discoms are joint-venture companies. The Delhi government has a 49 <g data-gr-id="33">per cent</g> stake in each of <g data-gr-id="28">these,</g> while private entities have 51 per cent holding. During <g data-gr-id="34">Discom</g> audit, the national auditor had faced many challenges. Referring to those obstacles, the CAG asked them not fear from executing their duties.

According to sources, one of the IIS probationers expressed concern over alleged “interference” in CBI, CVC and CAG. Taken aback with the question, Sharma categorically told the bureaucrats that public services have become more citizen-centric. 

"Public services have become more citizen-centric and people expect better quality, timely delivery and efficient management in delivery of these services and bureaucracy should have no fear from <g data-gr-id="30">audit,</g> if the decisions are transparent, correct and judicious," Sharma said.

He said technological advances, social media and RTI have raised the aspirations of people and they are now becoming alert and demanding better governance and accountability. The CAG said IIS officers have a huge responsibility of publicising government policies and programmes and citizen-centric projects should not take a backseat in their publicity efforts. "The instrumentalities of governance have changed as a large amount of money is now being spent through local bodies and PPP mode," he said.

Exhorting the officers, Sharma said their training, coupled with their rich and diverse academic record, will enrich the Indian Information Service. “The new media, including social and digital media, will play an important role in the communication strategies,” he said. It is for the first time that IIS probationers got an opportunity to interact with the senior officials of the CAG on audit processes and their importance.