SRINAGAR: The Committee on Public Undertakings of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly held its meeting on Wednesday under the chairmanship of MLA Mir Saifullah and discussed measures to strengthen oversight, transparency and accountability in public sector undertakings.
The meeting was attended by legislators Ajaz Ahmed Jan, Pawan Kumar Gupta, Shafi Ahmad Wani, Rajiv Jasrotia, Mehar Ali, Reyaz Ahmad Khan, Arjun Singh Raju and Rafiq Ahmad Naik, besides senior officials from the Finance Department and Legislative Assembly.
Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Manoj Kumar Pandit briefed the members on the objectives and functioning of the committee, including legislative oversight of public sector undertakings and promotion of efficiency, economy and accountability in their operations.
He informed the committee that it examines reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) relating to public undertakings, reviews instances of financial irregularities and inefficiencies, monitors utilisation of government investments and seeks to ensure financial discipline and accountability.
The members discussed various aspects related to the effective functioning of the committee and its role in monitoring the performance of public sector enterprises.
Addressing the meeting, Mir Saifullah highlighted the importance of the committee in strengthening legislative oversight and ensuring that public undertakings function in a transparent and accountable manner.
He said the committee serves as an important link between the government and the people by helping identify public concerns and ensuring that the intended benefits of government-owned enterprises reach citizens effectively.
The chairman stressed that committee meetings should be result-oriented and focused on achieving tangible outcomes in the public interest. He urged members to actively participate in deliberations and contribute constructively towards improving the committee’s effectiveness.
He also emphasised the committee’s role in safeguarding public interest, evaluating the performance of public undertakings and ensuring judicious utilisation of public resources.
Members of the committee offered suggestions aimed at strengthening procedures and enhancing the committee’s capacity to effectively monitor and evaluate public sector undertakings.
Earlier, Accountant General Tsewang Tharchin delivered a detailed presentation on the powers, procedures and responsibilities of the Committee on Public Undertakings.
