India’s urban transformation must be backed by accountability: CAG at BRICS SAI Summit

The sessions on May 8 will focus on efficiency in public investments in urban mobility, sustainable transport systems, and environmental considerations in urban expansion, with citizen-centric approaches in public auditing. The event will conclude with the adoption of the BRICS SAI Work Plan 2027–28 and the Bengaluru Declaration. Delegates are also scheduled to visit the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru.

Murthy delivered the inaugural address at the fifth BRICS Supreme Audit Institutions Leaders' Summit in Bengaluru, urging SAIs to move beyond conventional compliance auditing and assess whether public expenditure improves citizens' quality of life, particularly in urban centres facing congestion and unequal access to services. He noted that India is hosting a two-day summit from May 7 to 8 with 42 delegates, including heads of SAIs from BRICS member countries, to discuss urban sector audits, mobility systems, environmental sustainability, and public service delivery. Murthy described Bengaluru as an apt venue, highlighting the city's blend of technological prowess and urban challenges. He cited data on urbanisation—cities occupy about 3% of land but contribute around 60% of GDP; by 2030, 70% of all new jobs will be in cities; more than half of India's population is expected to live in urban areas by 2050. He referenced the Centre's USD 11 billion Urban Challenge Fund and India’s shift from grant-based financing to market-linked, outcome-oriented urban infrastructure. He emphasised that 'Ease of Living' is a citizen-centric promise and called for integrating AI and data analytics into audit processes as part of Strategic Plan 2030, including a special audit of 101 Indian cities from a citizen's perspective.