Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel inaugurated the 6th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Heads of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) here on Monday.

The governor, in her inaugural address, emphasised that SAI’s role is more important than ever before as they address the complex and challenging economic and social development challenges facing our countries.

She emphasised that the theme integrating emerging technologies in audit is now more imperative in the present dynamic and technical ecosystem. Information technology is also playing an important role in auditing by improving the accuracy and completeness of audit data as well as expediting the audit process, she added.

Comptroller General of India (CAG) Girish Chandra Murmu, in his welcome address, was emphatic about the critical role that Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) play in promoting good governance and accountability in government as independent bodies responsible for auditing government finances and operations to ensure that public funds are being used efficiently, effectively and in compliance with laws and regulations.

He apprised the delegates how SAI India is refining its audit processes with the implementation of Artificial Intelligence techniques.

“By analysing data collected from audited entities, AI is being used to identify risk areas and develop a targeted approach to the audit process. The use of AI also allows for the selection of a specific set of sample units and continuous improvement through the incorporation of new data and feedback. This approach to AI is not limited to a single audit, but is being developed as an evolving model for quicker and more detailed analysis during both planning and execution stages,” he said.

The CAG of India informed that to take forward the common responsibilities of SCO member SAI, and after five successful meetings, the SCO SAI Heads have gathered in Lucknow to deliberate and take forward the agenda of ‘Integrating Emerging technologies in Audit’ with the themes ‘Artificial Intelligence’ and ‘Cyber Security’.

Parveen Mehta, Deputy CAG of India while presenting vote of thanks.

Around 30 delegates from the SCO SAIs consisting of SAIs of India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan and SCO Secretariat are participating in this 2 days meeting.