Lok Sabha Speaker proposes common digital audit monitoring platform for state legislatures
The proposed platform would help state Public Accounts Committees track audit observations, monitor follow-up action and improve the timely examination and disposal of audit reports.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla addresses the valedictory session of the two-day Conference of Chairpersons of Public Accounts Committees (PACs) of Parliament and State/UT Legislatures in Thiruvananthapuram on November 4, 2026.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has called for a common digital Audit Monitoring Platform for state legislatures, modelled on the system available to parliamentary committees, to strengthen legislative oversight of public expenditure and improve follow-up on audit findings.
Addressing the valedictory session of the two-day Conference of Chairpersons of Public Accounts Committees (PACs) of Parliament and State/UT Legislatures in Thiruvananthapuram on November 4, Birla said the proposed platform would facilitate systematic monitoring of audit observations, strengthen follow-up mechanisms and ensure the timely examination and disposal of audit reports.
He called for Parliament and state legislatures to work together to develop a comprehensive system of audit and evaluation, addressing common challenges in the scrutiny of public expenditure and the disposal of audit reports.
Birla emphasised that technological integration should improve the efficiency, transparency and effectiveness of legislative oversight. However, he cautioned that technology must remain guided by human judgement, institutional values and sensitivity. He also stressed the importance of ensuring the accuracy, authenticity and impartiality of data used by digital platforms.
Highlighting the role of Public Accounts Committees in financial accountability, he said the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) conducts independent audits, while PACs examine the findings, undertake factual scrutiny and ensure follow-up on recommendations.
Audit observations, he said, should not remain confined to reports and records but must lead to corrective measures and improvements in administrative functioning. The executive must give due importance to PAC recommendations and ensure their timely implementation.
Birla said the Keralam Resolution adopted at the conference would provide a roadmap for strengthening PACs and deepening legislative oversight. Its recommendations should translate into concrete action to improve financial discipline, institutional capacity and transparency in governance.
He also called for legislative oversight to assess not merely how much public money is spent, but whether expenditure delivers the intended benefits. Evaluation of government programmes should consider continuity, quality, timely implementation and measurable outcomes, including the creation of durable infrastructure and delivery of welfare benefits to eligible beneficiaries.
With public investment expanding across education, healthcare, infrastructure, social welfare and rural development, he said every rupee allocated must be properly accounted for and used for its intended purpose.
The Speaker underlined the need for continuous capacity building and professional development for PAC members, CAG officials and legislative staff, particularly in emerging technologies. Regular training and exposure to new tools would help improve scrutiny, monitoring and evaluation.
He further called for regular meetings and exchanges among parliamentary and state PACs to share successful practices and technological innovations. Representatives from 27 states participated in the conference, contributing their experiences and perspectives.
PACs seek timely audits, stronger follow-up and public discussion of reports
KC Venugopal, Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament, said PACs must adapt to changing circumstances to ensure accountability as public money moves through increasingly complex channels.
He called for timely audits of government schemes and prompt presentation of audit reports before legislatures. Expressing concern over delayed, incomplete or missing replies from ministries and departments, he urged the executive to provide complete responses without delay.
Venugopal also suggested that at least one PAC report should be taken up for discussion in Parliament and each state legislature to make the committees’ work more visible to the public.
He proposed better coordination between the Centre and states in scrutinising Centrally Sponsored Schemes, including at least one annual meeting between Union and state PACs dedicated to these programmes. He also stressed the need for specialised staff, training and capacity building, and advocated greater use of technology, including dashboards to track audit paragraphs and action taken.
The conference was held on the theme “Audit, Accountability, and Good Governance – The Evolving Role of the PAC”, with discussions focused on financial oversight, audit follow-up, technological innovation and institutional effectiveness.
