Discuss the role of Public Accounts Committee in establishing accountability of the government to the people. (150 words)
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) plays a crucial role in establishing the accountability of the government to the people. Here are some key aspects of its function:
- Examining government accounts: PAC scrutinizes the annual accounts of government departments and other public bodies, ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.
- Reviewing audit reports: The committee reviews audit reports submitted by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) and reports its findings to the parliament.
- Calling witnesses: PAC invites ministers, permanent secretaries, or other ministry officials for questioning, enabling direct accountability for their actions.
- Making recommendations: Based on its findings, PAC makes recommendations to improve the administration of public funds and ensure value for money.
- Compelling responses: The committee can compel departments and agencies to respond to the legislative auditor’s and PAC’s recommendations, ensuring corrective action is taken.
- Promoting transparency: PAC’s work helps ensure transparency in government spending and the efficient use of public resources.
In conclusion, the Public Accounts Committee plays a vital role in holding the government accountable for its financial decisions and actions, ensuring transparency and responsible use of public funds.
![Rakesh was working as a Joint Commissioner in Transport department of a city. As a part of his job profile, among others, he was entrusted with the task of overseeing the control and functioning of City Transport Department. A case strike by drivers’ union of City Transport Department over the issue of compensation to a driver who died on duty while driving the bus came up before him for decision in the matter. He gathered that the driver (deceased) was plying Bus No. 528 which passed through busy and congested roads of the city. It so happened that near an intersection on the way, there was an accident involving the a middle-aged man. It was found that there was altercation between the driver and the car driver. Heated arguments between them led to fight and the driver gave him a a blow. Lot of passerbys had gathered and tried to intervene but without success. Eventually, both of them were badly injured and profusely bleeding and were taken to the nearby hospital. The driver succumbed to the injuries and could not be saved. The middle-aged driver’s condition was also critical but after a day, he recovered and was discharged. Police had immediately come to the spot and FIR was registered. Police investigation revealed that the quarrel in was started by the bus driver and he had resorted to physical violence. There exchange of blows between them. The City Transport Department management is considering of not giving any extra compensation to the driver’s (deceased) family. The family is very aggrieved. depressed and agitated against the discriminatory and non-sympathetic approach of the City Transport Department management. The bus driver (deceased) was 52 years of age, was survived by his wife and two school-college going daughters. He was the sole earner of the family. The City Transport Department workers’ union took up this case and when found no favourable response from the management, decided to go on strike. The union’s demand was two fold. First was full extra compensation as given to other drivers who died on duty and secondly employment to one family member. The strike has continued for 10 days and the deadlock remains. [2022]](https://www.iasexpress.net/wp-content/uploads/content-views/cvp_default_image-600x300.png)
Responses