The Duke Center for International Development (DCID) introduced a new customized program for Indian Civil Accounts Service officers on Monday, July 15. Twenty senior-level officials are participating in the two-week program, which focuses on budgeting and public financial management.
Jawahar Thakur, Controller General of Accounts at the organization, expressed interest in providing a training program for civil accounts officers last year. He worked with Dr. G.P. Shukla, professor of public policy, and Tej Prakash, senior fellow and former economist with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to put the program in place earlier this year. Shukla and Prakash also have experience working for the Indian government.
“[Thakur] wanted the officers to get exposure to international practices in public financial management, especially in accounting, budgeting and public debt management,” said Ravtosh Bal, Associate in Research at DCID. “The course is designed to provide an overview of the current best practices in specialized functions of their organization.”
While at Duke University, the officers will receive training from DCID faculty, as well as World Bank and IMF officials. They will also travel to Washington, D.C., to visit these organizations and learn more about their operations.
The Indian Civil Accounts Service, made up of about 200 officials, is responsible for establishing and maintaining the country’s management accounting system, monitoring government receipts and disbursements, and ensuring a sound and effective internal audit system. It also prepares the annual Appropriation and Finance accounts for the country’s Parliament.
