Shimla, Nov 21 (NationPress) Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla referred to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) as a crucial pillar of democracy on Friday, asserting that the integrity of governance relies heavily on the diligence and impartiality of accounting and audit professionals.

He pointed out that their vigilance is essential in turning policies into outcomes, which ultimately serves the citizens who place their trust in the government through their tax payments.

The Governor made these remarks during the opening ceremony of Audit Week – 2025, hosted by the offices of the CAG of India, under the theme “A Collaborative Commitment Towards Good Governance and Financial Prudence”.

In congratulating the officers and staff of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department, he emphasized the institution's role in maintaining principles of accountability, transparency, and good governance.

He noted that the CAG ensures public resources are utilized not only lawfully but also in ways that promote public welfare, thereby strengthening the trust between the state and its citizens.

Governor Shukla highlighted that Audit Week is more than a ceremonial occasion; it serves as a reflective time regarding constitutional duties.

The CAG functions as a guardian of financial accountability, ensuring that every expenditure of public funds is characterized by honesty, transparency, and public interest.

The technical sessions and discussions during Audit Week provide an opportunity to review past efforts and to enhance audit practices for the future.

Recognizing the department's contributions to financial transparency in Himachal Pradesh, the Governor stated that thorough documentation, factual reports, and insightful recommendations lead to improved decision-making and promote good governance.

In a mountainous region like Himachal, where infrastructure, remote service delivery, environmental challenges, and natural disasters present complex issues, audit interventions are vital to guarantee the effective implementation of public projects and schemes.

He expressed satisfaction that audit offices in Himachal have embraced digital workflows, hybrid audit models, and data analytics to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and transparency. The Governor remarked that the quality of audits depends on the skills of its officers and expressed pride that a prestigious national training academy is located in Shimla.

S. Alok, Director General of the National Academy of Audit and Accounts, stated that interactive sessions aim to ensure that audit findings and recommendations are actionable and comprehensible.

He emphasized that the institution is developing a modern digital auditing system that melds tradition with innovation, focusing on risk-based, citizen-centric, and outcome-oriented auditing.

The department is committed to enhancing state development initiatives while addressing emerging challenges such as climate change, sustainable development goals, and social inclusion.