The International Centre for Audit of Local Governance (iCAL), a pioneering initiative by SAI India, was officially inaugurated in Rajkot, Gujarat on 18^th July 2024. The inauguration marks a significant milestone in enhancing the audit capacity and independence of Local Government auditors, promoting improved financial performance assessment, service delivery, and data reporting.

Rajkot, known for its rich heritage and rapid development, is an ideal location for iCAL. The city, where Mahatma Gandhi spent his formative years, is the 6th cleanest city in India and the 7th fastest-growing city in the world as of March 2021. iCAL envisions a collaborative platform uniting policymakers, administrators, and auditors linked with Local Governments across India and globally. The Centre aims to build the capacity of elected representatives and executive officials of Local Governments, as well as Local Government Auditors from SAIs and subordinate audit formations.

iCAL's primary objectives are to develop and enhance standards for Local Government Audits, strengthen data collection and reporting, and empower auditors, executives, and elected representatives through comprehensive training programs and leadership development initiatives. The establishment of iCAL underscores the importance of Local Governments in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by fostering grassroots engagement and nurturing citizen ownership and accountability.

Inaugural Program Highlights

The inaugural program began with the arrival of Shri G.C. Murmu, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India at the venue at 9:30 AM. The CAG cut the ribbon and unveiled the plaque, followed by a tour of the iCAL training facilities and an entry in the visitor’s book. The inaugural function then moved to the dome, where the Master of Ceremonies delivered the welcome address and introduced the dignitaries on stage. The CAG addressed the gathering, emphasizing the background and the purpose of the initiative as detailed below:

1. iCAL platform fosters collaboration among policymakers, administrators, and auditors in Local Governments to enhance accountability and governance. It aims to improve financial performance assessment and service delivery by providing Technical Guidance and Support to Local Government auditors.
2. iCAL would assist Local Governments in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, fostering community engagement, and addressing global challenges, like climate change and the blue economy, as they play a crucial role in effective policy implementation and economic growth at the grassroots level.
3. iCAL aims to strengthen local governance by sharing best practices and fostering collaboration among Supreme Audit Institutions through workshops and peer exchanges, which promote transparency, accountability and effective auditing standards at the Local Government level.

This was followed by a presentation titled "iCAL: A Vision for the Future," outlining the detailed roadmap for iCAL by the Local Government Audit (LGA) Wing of the CAG.

After a tea break, there was a presentation by selected Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) showcasing their exceptional achievements in local governance. Representatives from Uttar Pradesh (Smt. Priyanka Tiwari, Sarpanch, GP: Rajpur, Dist.Hathras), Punjab (Shri Pantdeep Singh, Sarpanch, GP: Chinna, Dist.: Gurdaspur), Gujarat (Shri Rajput Sanket, Sarpanch, GP: Bhimasar, Dist.: Kutch), and Maharashtra (Shri Sudhir A. Gotmare, Sarpanch, GP: Khursapur, Dist.: Nagpur) spoke on the achievements of their respective Gram Panchayats, while Shri D.P. Desai (Municipal Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Rajkot, Gujarat) and Smt. Hemalata Patel (Deputy Commissioner (Finance), Municipal Corporation, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh) spoke on exceptional works done in their Municipal areas.

The afternoon featured a panel discussion on "Local Governments at 30 years: Achievements and Way Forward," chaired by the CAG of India and included distinguished panellists, such as Mr. Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary of MoPR, GoI, and Mr. S.M. Vijayanand and Mr. R.L. Bishnoi, Members of the Audit Advisory Board. The discussion was moderated by Mr. Subir Mallick, Deputy Comptroller Auditor General (LGA). The session concluded with a Question & Answer session and a vote of thanks by the Additional Deputy Comptroller Auditor General (LGA), Ms. Yashodhara Ray Chaudhuri.

AP/GP/JD

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