Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)

The CAG-ICSSR Colloquium Series 2025-26 attains completion with the Valedictory programme today following the final Chapter of the Series, the West Bengal Chapter, being organized at Presidency University, Kolkata.

The program features distinguished institutional leaders and experts, including:
🔹Prof. Dhananjay Singh, Member Secretary, Indian Council of Social Science Research
🔹Prof. Madhukarbhai S. Padvi, Chairman, Indian Council of Social Science Research
🔹Shri Pramod Kumar, Deputy Comptroller and Auditor General, Eastern Region
🔹Shri Biren Parmar, IA&AS, Additional Deputy CAG, DGA (Mines & Coal), Kolkata
🔹Shri Bibhudutta Basantia, IA&AS, Principal Accountant General (Audit-I), West Bengal

Spanning 28 States and 3 UTs, this unique joint initiatives by CAG India and ICSSR has successfully democratized public finance data for social science research. By turning independent audit reports into active references for developmental economics, the initiative has built crucial capacity for young researchers to evaluate fiscal governance and support Viksit Bharat @ 2047.

#CAG #ICSSR #PublicPolicy #GoodGovernance #DataDemocracy #ViksitBharat2047 #AcademicResearch

The CAG-ICSSR Colloquium reaches West Bengal

Scheduled on:
📅 Date:5 November2026 (Thursday)
🕛 Time:12:00Noon–3:00PM
📍 Venue: Derozio Auditorium, Presidency University, Kolkata

The CAG–ICSSR Colloquium: West Bengal Chapter will bring together eminent policymakers, academicians, researchers, practitioners and students for a thought-provoking dialogue on💰 State of Finances of West Bengal and 🏥 Public Health Infrastructure & Management of Health Services in West Bengal.

The colloquium will engage distinguished academicians and experts featuring Prof. Gargi Chakrabarti, Presidency University, Kolkata; Prof. Dhananjay Singh, Member Secretary, ICSSR; Prof. Madhukarbhai S. Padvi, Chairman, ICSSR; Shri Pramod Kumar, Deputy Comptroller and Auditor General, Eastern Region; Shri Biren Parmar, IAAS, Additional Deputy CAG (DAG, Mines & Coal); Shri Bhibhudutta Basantia, IAAS, Principal Accountant General (Audit-I); Dr. Sabitri Dutta, Dum Dum Motijheel Rabindra Mahavidyalaya, Kolkata; Prof. Saibal Kar, Centre for Studies in Social Sciences, Kolkata; Shri Sadananda Naskar, IAAS, Deputy Accountant General (AMG-I & Administration); Shri Wani Shriraj Madhukar, IAAS, Deputy Accountant General (AMG-IV); and Ms. Tania Mishra, IAAS, Deputy Accountant General (AMG-III).

West Bengal, with its rich intellectual heritage, strategic location, industrial base and significant contribution to trade and agriculture, occupies an important place in India's growth trajectory. As a gateway to the North-East and eastern India, its development is vital to achieving balanced and inclusive national growth.

The colloquium holds particular significance in fostering informed dialogue between the audit and academic communities on public financial management and the delivery of essential public services. By bringing CAG audit findings into conversation with academic research and expertise, it seeks to strengthen accountability, promote evidence-based policymaking and identify actionable insights for improving governance, fiscal management and healthcare service delivery.

#CAGICSSRColloquium #WestBengal #PublicFinance #PublicHealth #HealthcareInfrastructure #GoodGovernance

The CAG–ICSSR Colloquium, Sikkim Chapter, was held on 2 November 2026 at Manan Kendra, Gangtok. The colloquium brought together auditors, academics, researchers and students to deliberate on the State of Finances of Sikkim and Solid Waste Management in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Sikkim.

In the Inaugural Session, Prof. Dhananjay Singh, Member Secretary, ICSSR, highlighted the value of CAG audit reports as authentic sources of data for social science research, enabling students to identify gaps in public service delivery, formulate evidence-based research questions and contribute to improved governance. He encouraged young researchers to use audit findings to examine governance challenges and contribute to Viksit Bharat @ 2047.

🔹 Ms. Anita Singh Ramchandra, IA&AS, Accountant General (Audit), Sikkim, emphasised the importance of audit insights in strengthening public accountability, understanding fiscal priorities and addressing emerging urban waste-management challenges through informed policymaking. She stressed scientific waste disposal, source segregation, adequate processing infrastructure, legacy waste remediation and stronger municipal accountability.

🔹 Shri Vaibhav Shukla, IA&AS, Senior Deputy Accountant General (A&E), Sikkim, presented an overview of the State’s finances (2020–21 to 2024–25), highlighting revenue dependence on central transfers, high committed expenditure and rising outstanding liabilities. He stressed stronger own-source revenue mobilisation, realistic budgeting, improved fund utilisation and prudent debt management.

🔹 Prof. Manesh Choubey, Sikkim University, examined Sikkim’s fiscal trends (2010–11 to 2024–25), emphasising revenue diversification, debt
sustainability and increased capital expenditure. He advocated growth-oriented policies, tourism and infrastructure development, public-private partnerships and an independent fiscal council.

🔹 Dr. Ruma Kundu, Sikkim University, highlighted gaps in source segregation, waste-processing capacity, financial sustainability and implementation of municipal waste-management systems. She advocated decentralised waste management suited to Sikkim’s geographical conditions, phased infrastructure improvements, community participation and stronger monitoring to achieve the State’s Zero Waste target by 2030.

The colloquium reaffirmed the importance of bringing together audit institutions and academia to promote evidence-based research, strengthen public financial management and enhance institutional accountability for sustainable development in Sikkim.

#CAGICSSRColloquium #Sikkim #PublicFinance #UrbanGovernance #SolidWasteManagement #ViksitBharat2047

The CAG–ICSSR Colloquium, Mizoram Chapter, was successfully held on 30 October 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:50 PM, at Mizoram University Auditorium, Aizawl.

The colloquium deliberated on “State of Finances of Mizoram” and “Empowering Urban Local Bodies”, bringing together auditors, academicians, faculty members, researchers and students for evidence-based discussions on public financial management and urban governance.

Shri V. Srinivasa Venkatanathan, Accountant General, Mizoram, highlighted the role of CAG audit reports in strengthening transparency and accountability in public financial management. He emphasised that public audit extends beyond institutional oversight to ensuring accountability towards citizens and fostering public trust.

Prof. Saswati Choudhury, Director, OKD Institute of Social Change and Development, Guwahati, highlighted Mizoram's distinct economic characteristics and the importance of understanding its economic profile to facilitate meaningful academic research and informed deliberations on fiscal and developmental priorities.

Prof. Zokaitluangi, Mizoram University, highlighted ICSSR's role in promoting research and disseminating knowledge. She encouraged students and research scholars to utilise CAG audit reports as valuable research resources and develop evidence-based studies aligned with Viksit Bharat.

Shri Mark Zomawia Zote, Senior Audit Officer, presented an overview of Mizoram's fiscal position for 2024–25, highlighting revenue dependence, rising committed expenditure, fiscal deficit and mounting liabilities. He emphasised strengthening own-source revenue mobilisation, realistic budgeting, prudent debt management and expenditure discipline.

Prof. Vanlalchhawna, Mizoram University, examined fiscal challenges arising from dependence on Union transfers, budgetary inefficiencies and weaknesses in financial reporting. He stressed realistic budget estimates, effective expenditure monitoring, transparent accounting and timely reconciliation of financial records.

Shri Lunkhosat Haokip, Senior Audit Officer, highlighted gaps in the devolution of functions, funds and functionaries under the 74th Constitutional Amendment framework. He drew attention to limited municipal financial autonomy, staffing vacancies and the need for clearer functional responsibilities and stronger institutional capacity.

Prof. A. Muthulakshmi, Mizoram University, examined challenges in urban solid waste management, including inadequate source segregation, deficiencies in waste transportation and processing, environmental monitoring and sanitation worker safety. She emphasised scientific waste management, institutional coordination, transparent financial records and greater community participation.

The colloquium reinforced the importance of strengthening fiscal sustainability, accountable urban institutions and environmentally sustainable public service delivery. It highlighted how audit findings, when examined through academic research and informed deliberation, can translate into actionable policy recommendations and governance reforms.

#CAG #ICSSR #CAGICSSRColloquium #Mizoram #PublicFinance #UrbanGovernance #EvidenceBasedPolicy #ViksitBharat2047

CAG–ICSSR COLLOQUIUM | SIKKIM CHAPTER

📅 Date: 02 November 2026 (Monday)
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 01:00 PM
📍 Venue: Manan Kendra, Upper Sichey, Sungava, Gangtok, Sikkim

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) and the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) are organising a Colloquium on “State of Finances of Sikkim” and “Solid Waste Management in the Urban Local Bodies in Sikkim.”

The colloquium will feature distinguished speakers, including Dr. Ruma Kundu, Sikkim University, Gangtok; Prof. Manesh Choubey, Professor, Sikkim University, Gangtok; Prof. Dhananjay Singh, Member Secretary, ICSSR; Ms. Anita Singh Ramchandra, IA&AS, Accountant General (Audit), Sikkim; and Shri Vaibhav Shukla, IA&AS, Senior Deputy Accountant General (A&E), Sikkim, Gangtok.

Sikkim holds a distinctive and strategic place in India's growth trajectory. Its unique geographical position, ecological wealth, tourism potential, hydropower resources and commitment to sustainable development make it an important contributor to India's vision of inclusive and balanced growth. Strengthening public financial management and urban governance is essential to harnessing this potential, ensuring efficient utilisation of public resources and building resilient, sustainable communities.

The colloquium will provide an important platform for informed deliberations on public finances, fiscal governance and sustainable urban development in the state.

#CAG #ICSSR #Sikkim #PublicFinance #UrbanGovernance #SolidWasteManagement #SustainableDevelopment