Question: Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS) was created in …
(a) 1976
(b) 1977
(c) 1987
(d) 1990
Ans: (a)
- 41st Civil Accounts Day function was held on March 1, 2017 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi to mark the 41st anniversary of the inception of the Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS).
- Indian Civil Accounts Service was created by the amendment of the C&AG (Duties, Powers & Conditions of Service) Act, 1973 w.e.f March 1, 1976.
- Since its inception, the ICAS has been a pioneer in the use of Information Technology in Payments, Accounting and Financial Reporting catering to the real time demand for accounting data on public finances by the decision makers.
- In financial year 2016-17 so far, Government payments to the tune of Rs 5.95 lakh crore (out of the total payment of R 6.05 lakh crore) were routed through the electronic mode. 98% of total payments of the Government in value terms and 95% in volume terms have been routed through the e-payment mode.
- The online Non Tax Receipts Portal (NTRP) that enables a citizen or a corporate entity to make online payment for availing specific services provided by Departments, has also been operationalised. The receipts processed through NTRP in 2016 -17 as on date are to the tune of Rs 90,000 crore and reflect a growth by almost 30 times in terms of value and 24 times in terms of volume in comparison to 2015-16.
- A MoU has also been signed by the office of CGA with the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) –India aimed at strengthening of Internal Audit function in line Ministries. The MoU will facilitate the use of professional knowledge and skills in the conduct of Risk based Internal Audit and in the capacity building of Government Internal Auditors.
- Benefits:
The Public Financial Management System (PFMS) has helped the Government to effectively monitor utilization of funds transferred to States and implementing agencies, especially in respect of national priority schemes, through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Beneficiaries of these schemes now receive funds directly into their bank accounts at the local level. Consequently, there has been significant reduction in leakages and increase in savings to the Government. Benefits of automation in the payment processes have led to further improvements in financial reporting and accounting. Significant progress has also been made in the area of Treasury Integration. At present 23 states have been integrated. Efforts are on to achieve 100% integration by 31st March, 2017.
Reference:
http://cga.nic.in//writereaddata/file/41stCADRapporteursOM166827022017.pdf
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=158787