DH NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, jun 15
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly held an important meeting at the Assembly Secretariat on Monday under the chairmanship of MLA Surjeet Singh Slathia. The meeting focused on strengthening accountability mechanisms, improving administrative oversight, and ensuring effective scrutiny of government departments through timely review of audit observations and pending matters.
The meeting was attended by several members of the committee, including legislators Mubarik Gul, Shamim Firdous, Qaysar Jamshaid Lone, Altaf Ahmad Wani (Kaloo), Abdul Majeed Bhat (Larmi), Ranbir Singh Pathania, Choudhary Mohammad Akram, Vikram Randhawa and Tanvir Sadiq. Auditor General Tsewang Tharchin, Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Manoj Pandita, and senior officials associated with the Assembly Secretariat were also present during the proceedings.
The discussions primarily revolved around enhancing the efficiency of the committee’s functioning and ensuring that government departments remain accountable for the utilization of public resources. Members emphasized the importance of effective monitoring and follow-up on audit findings to maintain transparency and improve governance standards across all sectors. During the meeting, legislators expressed their commitment to supporting the functioning of the committee and assured full cooperation in carrying out its responsibilities. They reiterated the importance of collective efforts in strengthening financial discipline and ensuring that audit observations are addressed promptly and effectively. A major issue discussed during the meeting was the timely submission of Action Taken Reports by government departments. The committee strongly urged all departments to cooperate proactively with the PAC and comply with established procedures. It was highlighted that departments are required to furnish detailed Action Taken Reports within a stipulated period of six months as prescribed under the relevant rules.
Members observed that timely submission of such reports is essential for effective review and accountability. Delays in responding to audit observations often hinder the committee’s ability to assess corrective measures and monitor progress on issues involving public expenditure and administrative performance.
The legislators actively participated in the deliberations and raised concerns regarding pending audit paragraphs and unresolved financial observations. They also put forward several constructive suggestions aimed at strengthening the committee’s oversight functions and improving coordination between departments and audit authorities.
Among the recommendations discussed was the need for regular and consistent meetings of the committee. Members noted that frequent interactions would facilitate detailed examination of audit reports, allow adequate discussion on complex issues, and help ensure the timely disposal of pending cases.
Such an approach, they said, would contribute to more effective monitoring of government functioning and implementation of corrective measures.
Chairman of the committee, Surjeet Singh Slathia, underlined the significant role played by the Public Accounts Committee in maintaining financial accountability and transparency in governance. He stated that the committee serves as an important institution for ensuring that public funds are utilized efficiently and in accordance with established rules and procedures.
Slathia assured the members that the committee would work diligently to address all outstanding audit observations and related matters in a time-bound manner. He stressed that accountability and transparency are fundamental pillars of good governance and that the PAC remains committed to upholding these principles.
The meeting concluded with a shared resolve among members to strengthen the committee’s functioning and enhance its effectiveness in ensuring responsible financial management across government departments. The discussions reflected the committee’s commitment to improving oversight mechanisms and promoting greater accountability in the administration for the benefit of the public.
