Govt forms audit wings in 10 more departments

Bhubaneswar: In a move to strengthen the audit system and maintain regular oversight of financial irregularities, state govt has approved the creation of internal audit wings in 10 more departments, bringing the total number to 38.The internal audit, which is an integral part of the govt, was functioning in 28 departments. It acted as the watchdog of public money and reported financial irregularities, including misappropriation and embezzlement of public funds.In the latest move, the finance department created internal audit wings in 10 more departments with 85 audit personnel by rationally bifurcating the present sanctioned strength of 510 in 28 departments.The 10 additional departments are water resources, rural development, works, energy, skill development & technical education, electronics & IT, handlooms, textiles & handicrafts, industries, Odia language, literature & culture, and Tourism.“The new internal audit wings will help tighten financial systems, identify risks early, and reduce audit objections through continuous review and compliance checks,” an official statement from the govt read.

It stated that the initiative marks a major stride toward institutionalising transparency, improving fiscal prudence, and ensuring better utilisation of public funds, reinforcing Odisha’s commitment to good governance and responsible financial management.