TCA Kalyani takes over as Controller General of Accounts (CGA)

Why in news ?

• The Ministry of Finance recently announced that TCA Kalyani has assumed the position of Controller General of Accounts (CGA) in the Department of Expenditure.
• She is an ICAS 1991 batch officer and the 29th woman officer to hold this position.

Previous Position:

• Before becoming CGA, Kalyani served as Principal Chief Controller of Accounts (Pr. CCA) in the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• She oversaw budgets and accounts in major government ministries.

Educational Background:

• Lady Shri Ram College, University of Delhi: Gold Medal in Political Science.
• Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU): M.A. in International Politics and M.Phil in Western European Studies.
• Her deep understanding of politics and international studies strengthened her policy analysis and public finance perspective.

Significant Contributions in Various Ministries:

• Ministry of Defence
• Ministry of Telecommunications
• Ministry of Fertilizers
• Ministry of Finance
• Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
• Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
• Ministry of Home Affairs

Key Achievements:

• Fertilizer Sector DBT: Implemented direct subsidy transfer (DBT) scheme for farmers.
• Digital Transformation at MTNL: Introduced online billing and automated kiosks.
• Fertilizer Corporation of India: Financial restructuring and strategic revival.
• Home Ministry (Pr. CCA): Oversaw budget and accounting systems.

Controller General of Accounts (CGA):

• Full Form: Controller General of Accounts (CGA)
• Location: Ministry of Finance, Government of India
• Department: Department of Expenditure

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

1. Maintaining Central Government Accounts: Monitoring accounts of all ministries and departments.
2. Preparing Monthly and Annual Financial Statements: Reporting government expenditure and receipts.
3. Implementing Transparency and Reforms in Accounting Systems: Strengthening financial procedures.
4. Financial Control and Oversight: Regular monitoring of budgets, expenditure, and receipts.
5. Management and Technical Advisory: Bringing digital innovation and efficiency to government accounting systems.

Significance:

• CGA serves as the chief accounting advisor to the Government of India.
• Ensures transparency, accountability, and efficiency in government accounting.
• Provides leadership for improving public financial management and promoting digital innovation.