National workshop on auditing local bodies begins at NIRDPR Hyderabad
A national workshop on auditing Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies began at NIRDPR, Hyderabad. Organised by CIARD in collaboration with CAG’s iCAL, it focuses on standardizing audit processes, modernizing systems with AI and IT tools, and recognizing top-performing officers
Hyderabad: A national workshop aimed at strengthening audit systems for Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies commenced on Monday at the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR).
Organized by the Centre for Internal Audit in Rural Development (CIARD) in collaboration with the CAG’s International Centre for Audit of Local Governance (iCAL), the event is being held from January 19 to 21, 2026.
Speaking at the inaugural function of the workshop, the Director General, NIRDPR, Dr G. Narendra Kumar, emphasized the need for financial discipline as fund flows to local governments increase. The DG advocated the adoption of AI and IT-based tools to modernize audit processes.
The workshop’s inaugural address was delivered by Manish Kumar, Deputy CAG, who underscored the constitutional mandate of auditing local bodies to ensure transparency.
Sushil Kumar Lohani, Additional Secretary (MoPR), noted that robust audits are the backbone of fiscal discipline in democratic decentralisation.
The workshop features senior officials and Principal Accountant Generals from across India. Discussions will focus on standardizing audit processes and integrating innovative technology to improve local governance. During the session, several high-performing officers were also felicitated for their contributions to institutionalizing transparent audit frameworks.