VP Calls Audit a Pillar of Democracy at Book Launch

India's Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Tuesday underlined the critical role of auditing in strengthening democracy while releasing the book When Audit Matters: CAG Interventions That Made a Difference at the Vice-President's House in New Delhi. The publication, edited by former Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Vinod Rai, explores several landmark audits and their impact on governance, public accountability and the management of public resources. Through stories and real-life experiences, the book highlights how effective auditing can improve government systems and strengthen public trust.

Speaking at the event, Radhakrishnan described auditing as much more than a financial exercise, saying it serves as an important mechanism that assures citizens that public funds are being used responsibly and in accordance with the law. He noted that audits help identify weaknesses in systems, encourage corrective action and improve the delivery of public services. According to him, strong audit institutions play a vital role in maintaining confidence between governments and the people they serve. The Vice-President also stressed that governance systems exist to protect public interest and that accountability remains one of the most important foundations of a healthy democracy.

Ethics and Accountability Must Go Hand in Hand

Radhakrishnan placed special emphasis on the connection between ethics and public administration, saying the combination of ethical conduct and robust auditing can significantly improve governance outcomes. He said ethical governance should form the moral foundation of public institutions, helping ensure that public resources are used efficiently and fairly.

Drawing from India's historical traditions, he pointed to concepts such as dharma and raja dharma, which emphasised responsibility and accountability in governance. He also referred to Kautilya's Arthashastra, noting that principles of financial oversight and accountability were recognised in Indian thought centuries ago. The Vice-President explained that these values later found expression in the Constitution of India, which established institutions such as the Comptroller and Auditor General to ensure transparency and financial accountability.

Book Highlights Impact of Landmark Audits

Radhakrishnan also discussed the role of Parliament in maintaining financial oversight through mechanisms such as budget approvals, audits and scrutiny by Public Accounts Committees. He stressed that auditing systems must continue evolving through better training, technology adoption, data analytics and specialised expertise. Auditors themselves, he added, must maintain the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

Praising Vinod Rai and the contributors to the book, the Vice-President said the publication presents complex issues of governance and accountability in an engaging and accessible manner. The book draws on the experiences of former senior audit officers and examines accountability systems across South Asia through a project led by the Institute of South Asian Studies at the National University of Singapore.

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

Radhakrishnan expressed confidence that the book would encourage wider discussion on transparency, accountability and the continuing importance of strong public institutions in a democratic society.