"AI Is Empowering Auditors In Informed Decision Making And Creating Value For Nation," Says CAG GC Murmu

New Delhi [India]: Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) Girish Chandra Murmu at the MoU signing ceremony between CAG institution and IIT, Delhi said on Wednesday that whether it is detecting fraudulent activities, or optimizing compliance processes, AI-driven solutions empower auditors to adapt to an ever-changing environment and deliver actionable insights that drive informed decision-making.

The CAG said, "Together, we have the opportunity to shape a future where AI catalyses positive change, empowers auditors, and organisations to unlock new insights, drives informed decision-making, and creates value for the nation."

The MoU was signed by Anand Mohan Bajaj, Chief Technology Officer and Additional Deputy CAG and Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director, IIT Delhi in the presence of the CAG of India.

Murmu said that AI-powered tools have the potential to automate routine tasks, liberating auditors to focus on strategic analysis and value-added activities, thereby elevating the quality and relevance of audit outcomes.

Stating that the Government of India has made huge strides in adopting AI for governance and is on track to become the Global Hub for AI Innovation as the chair of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) in 2024, Murmu added, "AI has emerged as a catalyst for change in the field of audit, offering a plethora of opportunities to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and insight.

By harnessing AI-driven algorithms and predictive analytics, auditors can analyse vast volumes of data with unparalleled speed and precision, enabling them to uncover patterns, anomalies, and potential risks with greater accuracy."

The CAG said, "As we stand on the threshold of a technological revolution, the landscape of audit is undergoing a profound transformation. With the rapid advancement of AI, machine learning, and data analytics, traditional methodologies are being redefined, offering unprecedented opportunities for innovation and efficiency."

GC Murmu said, "As signatories to this MoU, we are well-positioned to contribute to the objectives of the India AI Mission, leveraging our collective expertise and resources to advance the frontiers of AI research, education, and application in the domain of audit.

Today, we embark on a collaborative endeavour that recognises the transformative potential of these technologies and the importance of partnership in harnessing their full capabilities."

Through this MoU, the two institutions will partner in four key areas for the use of AI in audit, audit of AI systems, capacity building and knowledge sharing.

Bajaj said that through this partnership we look forward to excellence and innovation in audit using emerging technologies. "The AI-equipped audit processes will not only enhance our efficiency but would also provide greater assurance to the public vis a vis the performance of the government," he added further.