The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Speaker wants information technology use

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Saturday, Aug 14, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Speaker wants information technology use

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD, AUG. 13. The Assembly Speaker, K. R. Suresh Reddy, has underscored use of information technology (IT) for better coordination among the Assembly, Accountant-General's office and the Secretariat.

Mr. Suresh Reddy was speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in the Assembly committee hall on Friday. "Use of IT will reduce delay in submission of important reports," he said adding, "the PAC should hold frequent meetings to discuss important issues."

Mr. Reddy felt that the State Government should also support the efforts of the PAC and sought quick response from the Government to queries raised by the panel. "The replies should be followed up with Action Taken Report (ATR)," he said. He said the demand to include Local Fund Audit under the purview of PAC would be examined shortly.

What a `coincidence'

Mr. Suresh Reddy also referred to as "coincidence" that the PAC chairman, Yanamala Ramakrishnudu, was the Speaker when Mr. Reddy was nominated PAC chief. "I am happy to see Mr. Ramakrishnudu heading the PAC while I hold the office of the Speaker," Mr. Reddy remarked. He hoped that Mr. Ramakrishnudu, who had vast experience in handling Assembly affairs, would be an asset to the committee. The new PAC chief agreed to hold meetings four days in a month. Chada Venkat Reddy, CPI member, said the present committee was asked to do audit for 1995. T. Veerabhadram, CPI(M), said orientation courses should be organised for new members. Telangana Rashtra Samiti member, Rajender, said as people had lots of expectations about the committee, the members should closely monitor expenditure. Independent member, C. Narsi Reddy, said the major concern of the PAC should be prompt utilisation of funds.

`Cut wasteful spending'

Dhulipala Narendra Kumar of the Telugu Desam Party said wasteful expenditure should be reduced. He demanded that the Government submit action taken report as and when the panel asks for it.

J. Ratnakar Rao of the Congress said the purpose of the PAC would be diluted if its suggestions were not implemented on time. The meeting was attended by the Principal Secretary (Planning), A. K. Goel, and Principal Secretary (Finance), V. S. Sampath, among others.

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