India, Nov. 3 -- Every rupee drawn from the public exchequer must be properly accounted for and utilised for its intended purpose, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said while inaugurating the Conference of Chairpersons of Public Accounts Committees (PACs) of Parliament and State Legislatures.

Addressing the delegates, the Speaker stressed that transparency and accountability remain the cornerstones of democracy, noting that the ultimate measure of public expenditure must be the positive difference it makes to citizens.

Birla expressed concern over audit observations remaining unresolved for up to 20 years, calling for a time-bound action plan across Union and State Governments to clear pendency. "Political differences must give way to a share...