Q16.Discuss the role of the Public Accounts Committee in establishing accountability of the government to the people.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is a vital parliamentary committee ensuring financial accountability of the executive to Parliament and the people. It acts as a primary instrument of legislative oversight over government spending.

Mechanisms for Accountability

• Examines audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) after they are laid before Parliament.
• Scrutinizes government expenditure, ensuring alignment with parliamentary grants and financial rules, identifying irregularities, waste, fraud, and inefficiency.
• Ensures financial propriety and efficiency in public administration, acting as a 'watchdog' over executive finances.
• Highlights lapses in policy implementation and administrative actions, bringing them to Parliament and public notice.
• Strengthens parliamentary control by holding ministries and departments accountable for financial conduct.

Thus, by holding ministries and departments accountable, the PAC significantly contributes to transparency, good governance, and establishing government accountability in a democracy.