What Did the Delhi Assembly’s PAC Meeting Reveal About CAG Reports on Pollution and Liquor Policy?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Discussion on CAG reports regarding air pollution and liquor sales.
- Importance of transparency in governance emphasized by PAC Chairman.
- Commitment to public welfare and accountability.
- Implementation of APMS to enhance audit monitoring.
- Engagement with various departments for comprehensive data.
New Delhi, May 22 (NationPress) During a meeting held on Thursday, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Delhi Legislative Assembly reviewed the reports from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) regarding air pollution and discrepancies in liquor sales within the capital. The meeting was chaired by the Committee Chief and MLA Ajay Mahawar.
Initially, the committee members were formally introduced, followed by an in-depth discussion on the operational relationship between the CAG and the PAC.
Committee members at the meeting included Arvinder Singh Lovely, Satish Upadhyay, Shikha Rai, Kailash Gahlot, Rajkumar Chauhan, Atishi, Virendra Kadyan, and Kuldeep Kumar. Senior officials present were the Additional Deputy CAG, Health Department Secretary, Excise Commissioner, Transport Commissioner, Additional Chief Secretary (Environment), Secretary of the Delhi Assembly, Finance Secretary, and others.
The PAC engaged in a thorough examination of the issues raised in the CAG reports, which included air pollution, liquor sales irregularities in the capital, and health-related concerns. The committee demanded comprehensive information from various departments to promote transparency and accountability, while also deliberating on future actions.
PAC Chairman Ajay Mahawar emphasized during the meeting: "The Public Accounts Committee's role extends beyond mere report review; it is about fostering transparency and accountability in governance for the public good. The subjects discussed today directly impact the lives of ordinary citizens. We are committed to holding meaningful discussions on the irregularities highlighted in the CAG reports and will present an honest report to the House."
Previously, Delhi Speaker Vijender Gupta announced that the Assembly would implement the Central Government's Audit Para Monitoring System (APMS) software to enhance the monitoring of CAG audit paragraphs.
Gupta instructed Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) Ashish Chandra Verma to ensure the implementation of APMS.
In this context, Dr. Verma had reached out to Parma Sen, Additional Secretary (Expenditure Department, Ministry of Finance), to request permission for the Delhi Government to utilize APMS.
Sen responded affirmatively, allowing the Delhi government to use the Central Government's APMS until it establishes its own system.