Look for ways to adopt AI into audit techniques for effectiveness: CAG

Today, it is an integral part of our lives, whether we realise it or not. There is a curiosity whether and belief that AI can help countries achieve development goals, impacting economic growth while simultaneously disrupting labour markets.”

“At an individual layman level, ChatGPT compelled us to recognise it and also triggered the debate of its utility vis-à-vis its risks, especially if recklessly used by young students. This combined with a spate of statements by the very developers in the field, concernedly commenting on its considerable carbon footprints, risks, ethicality and challenges, underscores the need for Responsible AI,” Murmu said, addressing the Summit, which was inaugurated by PS Sreedharan Pillai, Governor of Goa. Amitabh Kant, India’s Sherpa at G20 also addressed the SAI20 Summit, which will discuss two themes—Blue Economy and Responsible AI—over two-days.

Highlighting the need of responsible AI, Murmu said, “Considering the power, possibility and perils of AI, it is essential that policy makers put in place processes to responsibly harness the potential of this technology.”

“Responsible AI stands on four pillars viz. organisational democratisation that empowers and encourages individuals to raise concerns; systems that enable AI to flourish; systems and platforms that are trustworthy and explainable by design; and articulation of responsible AI Mission that is anchored in organisational values and ethical guardrails,” Murmu elaborated.

He added, “With AI making greater inroads into governance, SAIs must inevitably prepare themselves for auditing AI based governance systems. Simultaneously, SAIs must look for opportunities to adopt AI into their audit techniques to increase their effectiveness.”

Murmu said that the auditor must seek to provide the assurance that Al-based decisions do not result in exclusions, biases or violations of privacy.

“As availability of updated data is the bedrock on which any responsible Al system can unlock its full potential, the primary concern for the auditor is to ensure data accuracy, reliability and integrity, backed by an independent and robust system that periodically collects and collates data. Moving beyond these fundamentals, I am of the view that the auditor must seek to provide the assurance that Al based decisions do not result in exclusions, biases or violations of privacy,” he said.

Talking about Blue Economy, Murmu said, “As the Blue Economy gains primacy, so will its audit. To keep ahead of the curve, the SAI20 community must prioritise collaborations in arriving at new techniques, skills, capabilities and methods.”

“I would urge that we proactively formalise channels and platforms that would facilitate this, he said. Murmu also announced establishment of a Center for Excellence in the Blue Economy at SAI India’s International Centre for Environment Audit and Sustainable Development, Jaipur.
Speaking on the occasion, India’s G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant said that G20 Presidency is based on the theme of ‘One Earth, One Family and One Future.’

“Our Prime Minister’s vision is, that we may have different ideologies. We may have different political perspectives. We may have different boundaries but we all are part of the same cosmic wave and therefore, we derive our theme from the ancient Indian civilisation saying that the earth is one family—vasudhaiva kutumbakam,” Kant said.

Highlighting therole of the SAIs, Kant said, “The role of the supreme audit institution is vital in ensuring that public resources are used effectively and efficiently, and the public trust is upheld. As professional auditors, they play a vital role more than ever before by addressing the complex and challenging economic and social development issues our country facing.”

“Your recommendations will be very critical for taking forward. What you recommend as SAIs will be critical in drafting the leaders Memorandum of the G20. I can assure you that we recognise the unique role that SAIs play in collaborating with us both inside and outside the G20,” he said.

Speaking about Blue Economy, Kant said, “Blue economy is important because oceans are central to life on Earth. They are the suppliers of 50% of our oxygen needs. They are absorbers of nearly 30% of greenhouse gas emissions. They are providers of seafood and salt to humanity. They are representative of oil, gas and mineral resources. They are the virtual heat sink that keeps our blue planet cool and have emerged as global economic highways for the transit over 80% of the world trade.”

Kant suggested that the SAI20 can be a separate accountability institutional track in addition to the existing Finance and Sherpa tracks

Goa Governor Sreedharan Pillai said the SAI20 Group under the aegis of G20 is expected to play a central role in strengthening governance and in delivery of a positive impact on the lives of Citizens. The SAIs in their respective countries are a key pillar of accountability, effectiveness and ensuring integrity in governance, he said.

About 85 National and International delegates from 17 countries including G20 member SAIs, Guest SAIs, Invited SAIs, along with International Organizations and Think20 and Youth20 Engagement Groups attended the Summit.