- The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is a Parliamentary Committee in India that scrutinizes the accounts of the Government of India and its subordinate bodies.
- It is also responsible for examining the reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG).
- The PAC is constituted by the Parliament every year and consists of 22 members, 15 from the Lok Sabha and 7 from the Rajya Sabha. The chairman of the PAC is elected by the members of the committee.
The functions of the PAC are:
- To examine the appropriation accounts of the Government of India and its subordinate bodies.
- To examine the reports of the CAG on these accounts.
- To report to the Parliament on the results of its examination.
- To suggest improvements in financial administration.
- The Committee looks upon savings arising from incorrect estimating or other defects
The PAC has the power to summon witnesses, to demand documents, and to conduct inquiries. It can also ask the CAG to conduct further investigations.
The PAC is an important watchdog of the government’s finances. It plays a vital role in ensuring that the government is accountable to the Parliament and to the people of India.
Here are some of the specific functions of the PAC:
- To examine whether the money spent by the government has been spent in accordance with the appropriations made by Parliament.
- To examine whether the government has complied with the provisions of the law in its financial transactions.
- To identify cases of financial irregularities and to recommend action to be taken against the erring officials.
- To suggest ways to improve financial administration and to prevent fraud and corruption.
The PAC is a powerful committee and its recommendations are usually accepted by the government. It has played a significant role in exposing financial irregularities and in improving financial administration in India.
The PAC is a valuable institution that helps to ensure that the government is accountable to the Parliament and to the people of India. It is a watchdog of the government’s finances and it plays a vital role in ensuring that the government is spending public money wisely and efficiently.