Inauguration of India’s First International Centre for Audit of Local Governance in Rajkot

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, Girish Chandra Murmu, has inaugurated the nation’s first International Centre for Audit of Local Governance (iCAL) in Rajkot. This center, located at the Accountant General’s office, aims to set global standards for auditing local governance bodies.

iCAL will serve as a collaborative platform for policymakers, administrators, and auditors working with local governments. The primary objectives include enhancing the independence of local government auditors, improving financial performance assessment, service delivery, and data reporting. The center will also standardize local government audits, enhance data collection, and provide training for elected representatives and auditors to promote accountability and achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Dinesh Patil, the Principal Accountant General (Audit-I) of Gujarat, has been appointed as the Director General of iCAL. CAG Murmu also announced plans for an International Capacity Building Program to enhance training for various local government departments, with specialized programs for the State Government’s Panchayat Department, Municipalities, and Municipal Corporations.

Additionally, iCAL will facilitate collaboration between audit institutions through workshops and peer exchanges to promote transparency, accountability, and effective audit practices at the local level. CAG Murmu emphasized the importance of institutionalized collaboration among Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) globally to share best practices and improve local government audit practices, especially with increased funding allocations.

In his statement, Murmu highlighted the need to build the capacity of auditors and local government employees to improve their understanding of financial management practices and internal controls. The inauguration of iCAL marks a significant step towards enhancing auditing practices for local bodies and ensuring efficient utilization and management of resources.