Shimla
While inaugurating the inaugural ceremony of the Officer Trainees of the 2024 Batch of the Indian Audit and Accounts Services (IA&AS) and the celebration of 75 years of the National Academy of Audit and Accounts, Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla emphasized the importance of the values and skills and said that the ethical foundation of their work was paramount. The programme was organized at the Gaiety Theatre, here today.
The Governor said that this institution was founded with the vision of creating a dedicated, competent and ethical cadre of public servants capable of addressing the challenges of our nation and serving the people with distinction. He added that in these 75 years, the Academy has not only imparted knowledge and skills but has also instilled the values of integrity impartiality and dedication to service.
“The accuracy, integrity and transparency with which you carry out your duties will directly influence the strength of our democratic institutions, the quality of governance and the trust the public places in our financial system,” said the Governor to trainee officers.
He said that as officers of the IA&AS, they would hold a unique position in government, one that was built on the twin pillars of impartiality and integrity. He said that the audit profession is based on a sacred trust. He added “The integrity with which you approach your duties would safeguard the public interest and ensure that the funds allocated for social welfare, infrastructure development, education, health and other essential services were used for their intended purposes. The complexities of public finance require a deep understanding of accounting principles, auditing processes and governance structures.”
The Governor asked them to stay ahead of technological trends, familiarize themselves with digital auditing tools and ensure that financial systems are future-ready. He said that as a public servant, the greatest satisfaction was derived from serving the poorest and bringing smiles to their faces. “Your constitutional duty must always be accompanied by a prudential approach laden with mutual empathy,” he stated, adding that the independence enshrined in our Constitution was a treasure to be cherished and “your role as young officers was to add greater values to it through professionalism”. He encouraged them to be constant learners and adapt to the evolving knowledge landscape.
Director General of the National Academy of Audit & Accounts (NAA&A) Manish Kumar welcomed and honoured the Governor on the occasion.
Deputy C&AG Rebecca Mathai also spoke on the occasion and stressed on the overall development of the trainee officers.
The Governor also unveiled the Academy@75 website and special cover to mark the celebration of 75 years of the NAA&A on the occasion.
On the occasion, the Officer Trainees introduced themselves before the Governor.
Earlier, Course Director Sameer Mehta welcomed the Governor and Director Pushpalata proposed a vote of thanks.
Principal Accountant General (Accounts & Entitlement) Sushil Kumar, Principal Accountant General (Audit), Sushil Thakur, Secretary to Governor C.P. Verma and other prominent people were also present on the occasion.
