Bhubaneswar, November 5:The Conference of Chairpersons of the Public Accounts Committees (PACs) of the Parliament of India and the Legislative Assemblies and Legislative Councils of various States and Union Territories was held in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

Pramila Mallik, MLA and Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, participated in the conference and shared her views on the theme“Audit, Accountability and Good Governance.”

Highlighting the vital role of the Public Accounts Committee in India's parliamentary democracy, Mallik said that the Committee plays a crucial role in scrutinising government expenditure and ensuring executive accountability in the utilisation of public funds.

She stressed the need for the PAC to remain steadfast in its commitment to transparency, accountability and sound financial management. She also underscored that every rupee of public money must be spent judiciously for the welfare of the people and the overall development of the State and the nation.

During the deliberations, Dr. Arun Kumar Sahu, MLA and Member of the Odisha Public Accounts Committee, called for an objective assessment of the Committee's performance in achieving its core objectives. He emphasised the need to complete important audit-related proceedings within stipulated timelines. He further stressed that any irregularities detected during audits must be thoroughly examined and appropriate exemplary action taken against those responsible.

The conference was attended by Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Shri Harivansh, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee K. C. Venugopal, and Kerala Chief Minister Shri V. D. Satheesan, among other distinguished dignitaries.

Representatives from Parliament and 20 States and Union Territories took part in the conference. The Odisha Legislative Assembly was represented by PAC members and MLAs Shri Ramachandra Kadam and Shri Amar Kumar Nayak, along with Odisha Legislative Assembly Secretary Satyabrata Rout.