Every Rupee Must Be Accounted For: Om Birla Urges PACs to Guard Public Money
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urges PACs to ensure every rupee of public money is accounted for and used for its intended purpose.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has issued a strong call to the Public Accounts Committees (PACs) of both Parliament and State Legislatures, urging them to step up as the ultimate guardians of the public exchequer. Speaking at the Conference of Chairpersons of Public Accounts Committees in Thiruvananthapuram, Birla emphasized that every rupee of public money must be properly accounted for and utilized strictly for the purpose for which it was sanctioned.
Transparency as the Bedrock of Democracy
The Speaker highlighted that transparency and accountability are not just administrative requirements but the very cornerstones of a functioning democracy. According to Birla, the true success of public expenditure should not be measured by spreadsheets, but by the positive and tangible difference it makes in the lives of ordinary citizens.
He described the PAC as a vital institution of parliamentary democracy, tasked with the critical responsibility of examining public spending, maintaining financial discipline, and ensuring the Executive remains accountable to the people.
Beyond the Balance Sheets
Om Birla stressed that the role of these committees must evolve. He argued that the responsibility of the PAC extends far beyond the mere scrutiny of accounts and audit findings. Instead, committees must actively assess whether the allocated funds actually achieved their intended objectives and delivered the promised outcomes.
The Crisis of Pending Audits
One of the most pressing concerns raised by the Speaker was the alarming trend of unresolved audit observations. Birla expressed deep concern over findings that remain pending for 10, 15, or even 20 years, stating that such prolonged delays raise serious questions about the effectiveness of the current system.
To combat this, he called for:
- A concrete, systematic, and time-bound action plan to resolve audit observations.
- Stronger collaboration between Union and State Governments to improve monitoring and review mechanisms.
- A shift from "paper accountability" to timely, real-world corrective actions.
A Model of Bipartisan Cooperation
The Lok Sabha Speaker took a moment to praise the unique democratic tradition of appointing a Member of the Opposition as the Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee. He noted that this practice is a testament to the maturity, inclusiveness, and strength of India's parliamentary system.
"The representation of all political parties in the Committee ensures that different perspectives are brought to the examination of public expenditure. This is a shining example of the ability of democratic institutions to rise above political considerations in pursuit of a common national objective."
Birla reminded the members that while they may hold differing ideologies or political views, their responsibility to safeguard public money is shared. He urged the PAC to operate through dialogue, cooperation, and consensus, clarifying that the committee's goal is not to criticize individuals or governments, but to prevent the misuse and leakage of funds.
From Figures to Field Visits
Concluding his address, the Speaker insisted that the assessment of public expenditure must move beyond figures and utilization certificates. He specifically suggested that for infrastructure projects, committees should conduct site visits to personally examine the quality of work, ensure timely completion, and verify adherence to prescribed standards.
He reminded the gathering that every rupee spent represents the aspirations and contributions of the citizens, and therefore, must be handled with the highest standards of financial propriety to ensure that development and social welfare goals are truly met.