CAG of India Assumes Chairmanship of ASOSAI for 2024-2027

On September 25, 2024, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, Girish Chandra Murmu, officially took over the chairmanship of the Asian Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) for the term 2024-2027. This significant transition was highlighted during the 16th Assembly of ASOSAI, which has expanded its membership to include 48 Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) across Asia.

Development of AI for Audit Reports

CAG Murmu announced that the institution is in the process of developing its own Artificial Intelligence (AI) protocol to expedite the writing of audit reports. He emphasized that the current data collection involves field auditors, who will subsequently clean and classify the data according to specific requirements. The aim is to minimize algorithm biases during data analysis, ensuring more accurate and efficient auditing processes.

Upcoming Audit Reports

During the upcoming winter session, approximately 35 audit reports are expected to be tabled in both Parliament and state assemblies, with around 200 reports presented annually by the CAG’s office.

Key Decisions and Collaborations

The 16th ASOSAI Assembly approved various strategic and financial reports, including a mid-term review of ASOSAI’s Strategic Plan for 2022-2027 and the outcomes of the Bangkok Declaration from 2021. Discussions also focused on enhancing collaborations among member SAIs, particularly through capacity-building initiatives and the development of IT audit frameworks. Bilateral dialogues between SAI India and SAI Malaysia, as well as cooperation with the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (IDI), were also conducted.

Commitment to Future Collaborations

CAG Murmu underscored that the assembly reflects a renewed commitment to cooperation and capacity-building among SAIs in Asia. The session is set to culminate with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration, which will outline a roadmap for future collaborations and innovations in public auditing practices. Under India’s leadership, the focus will shift toward technology-driven audits and enhanced scrutiny of local bodies.