SRINAGAR: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Monday stressed the need for timely accountability and greater cooperation from government departments, urging them to submit Action Taken Reports (ATRs) within the stipulated six-month timeframe.
The committee meeting was chaired by MLA Surjeet Singh Slathia at the Assembly Secretariat here and focused on streamlining the panel’s review processes and strengthening oversight of government functioning.
Among those present were legislators Mubarik Gul, Shamim Firdous, Qaysar Jamshaid Lone, Altaf Ahmad Wani (Kaloo), Abdul Majeed Bhat (Larmi), Ranbir Singh Pathania, Ch. Mohammad Akram, Vikram Randhawa and Tanvir Sadiq. Auditor General Tsewang Tharchin, Secretary J&K Legislative Assembly Manoj Pandita and other Assembly officials also attended the meeting.
During the deliberations, members assured full cooperation towards ensuring the smooth and effective functioning of the committee. The PAC emphasized the importance of proactive coordination by all government departments to facilitate timely examination of audit observations and pending cases.
The committee reiterated that all departments are required under the rules to furnish detailed Action Taken Reports within six months and called for strict adherence to the timeline.
Members also raised various issues and concerns related to administrative oversight and offered suggestions aimed at improving the committee’s functioning. They recommended holding meetings on a regular basis to ensure comprehensive discussion and timely disposal of pending audit paragraphs.
Chairman Surjeet Singh Slathia highlighted the crucial role of the Public Accounts Committee in maintaining financial discipline and ensuring accountability in public expenditure. He assured that the committee would work diligently to address all outstanding matters in a time-bound manner.
