KC Venugopal Calls for Parliamentary Debate on PAC Reports, Greater Government Accountability

Thiruvananthapuram: AICC general secretary K C Venugopal has called for greater scrutiny of government functioning through Public Accounts Committees (PACs), stressing that their reports should receive adequate attention and be debated in Parliament.

Speaking at the inauguration of a two-day conference of PAC chairpersons from Parliament and state legislatures in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday, Venugopal said the committees played a crucial role in ensuring accountability and oversight of public expenditure.

The conference is being held on the theme ‘Audit, Accountability and Good Governance: The Evolving Role of PAC’.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan and state Assembly Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan were among those present at the inaugural session.

Venugopal raised concerns over what he described as delays and inadequate prioritisation in audits conducted by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). He said sectors such as defence and railways received greater audit attention, while key areas including home affairs, education and health saw comparatively fewer audits.

He also pointed to delays in initiating audits, citing the proposed audit of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), recommended by the PAC.

Venugopal said PACs were not merely meant to identify irregularities but also to help improve government schemes and policies for public welfare. He stressed that parliamentary debate on PAC reports was essential to expose shortcomings and ensure corrective action.