On Monday 21st October 2024, members of the Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC) chaired by the Leader of the Opposition Hon. Sebastien Pillay, met with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) Mr. Girish Chandra Murmu. The Leader of the Opposition was joined by the Vice Chairperson Hon. Terence Mondon, and Hon. Georges Romain. Mr. Murmu was accompanied by the High Commissioner of India to Seychelles H.E. Mr. Kartik Pande, the Auditor General of Seychelles Mr. Gamini Herath, Dr. Gaurav Kumar, and the Principal Accountant General Ms. Shefali Andaleeb.
The meeting began with a brief welcome and introduction by Mr. Herath, who formally introduced the Chair and other members to Mr. Murmu. Hon. Pillay then expressed his gratitude, noting that this meeting was an opportunity he had long anticipated. He also congratulated both the Auditor General (AG) and the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) on the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding. Mr. Murmu thanked the Chair and the members of FPAC, stating that it was a valuable opportunity to meet and strengthen their mutual commitment. He touched on several topics during the meeting, including the roles of Supreme Audit Institutions and Public Accounts Committees, the various standards they maintain, and their extensive experience in conducting audits. He also briefly discussed audit reports, and the significant manpower required for processing and reviewing.
Hon. Pillay emphasised the importance of continuing the partnership that had been established, highlighting the need for both parties to understand how they could continually assist one another. He also expressed his desire for FPAC members and support staff to benefit from additional trainings that could be provided by the Comptroller and Auditor General’s office, which would enhance their ability to more effectively perform their duties as a Committee.
