VP Radhakrishnan Releases Vinod Rai-Edited Book on Landmark CAG Audits

• Vice President releases When Audit Matters, edited by former CAG Vinod Rai
• Describes audit as a vital instrument for strengthening democracy
• Calls ethics and audit a transformative combination for governance
• Stresses highest standards of integrity for auditors

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 3rd June: Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Wednesday released the book When Audit Matters: CAG Interventions That Made a Difference, edited by former Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India Vinod Rai, at a function held at Uprashtrapati Bhavan.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice President described audit as a vital instrument for strengthening democracy and ensuring accountability in public administration.

He said audits assure citizens that public funds are being utilized for public welfare in accordance with the principles of legality, efficiency and fairness.

“Audit strengthens democracy by reinforcing trust between the state and citizens,” Radhakrishnan said, adding that audits help governments identify deficiencies, improve systems and enhance governance outcomes.

Highlighting the importance of ethics in public life, the Vice President said the combination of ethics and audit can be transformative in improving public services, ensuring efficient use of resources and strengthening public confidence in institutions.

He emphasized that ethical governance must serve as the moral foundation of public administration and that governance systems should always function in the public interest.

Referring to India’s rich traditions of accountability, Radhakrishnan said concepts such as dharma, raja dharma and public duty have long guided governance practices in the country. He noted that ancient texts such as Kautilya’s Arthashastra laid down principles of financial oversight and accountability that continue to remain relevant.

The Vice President said these ideals were institutionalized after Independence through constitutional provisions establishing financial accountability and the independent office of the Comptroller and Auditor General under parliamentary oversight.

He also highlighted the accountability cycle in a parliamentary democracy, beginning with legislative approval of budgets and extending through audits and scrutiny by Public Accounts Committees.

According to him, this framework strengthens democratic control over public finances and ensures transparency in governance.

Calling for continuous modernization of auditing systems, the Vice President stressed the need for regular training, technology upgrades, data analytics, performance evaluation and sector-specific expertise.

He also underlined that auditors themselves must uphold the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct.

Radhakrishnan commended Vinod Rai and his colleagues for compiling the experiences of former senior audit officers and presenting significant audit interventions in an accessible and engaging format.

He noted that the publication examines issues of governance and accountability in South Asia under a project led by the Institute of South Asian Studies at the National University of Singapore.

Expressing confidence that the book would generate meaningful discussion, the Vice President said it would enrich public discourse and reinforce the enduring importance of institutional accountability in a vibrant democracy.

Among those present at the event were former CAG Vinod Rai, Director of the Institute of South Asian Studies Dr. Iqbal Singh Sevea, Rupa Publications Managing Director Kapish Mehra, former senior officers of the Indian Audit and Accounts Service and other distinguished guests.