Empowering Transparency: Banaras Hindu University Hosts Specialized Training on Audit Awareness
Banaras : Banaras Hindu University successfully conducted a specialized training session on “Building Audit Awareness for a Transparent Organization.” The program aimed to highlight the crucial role of audits in enhancing transparency, accountability and operational efficiency within institutions.
Raj Kumar Soni, Assistant Registrar, commenced the session by quoting Abraham Lincoln’s famous words: “Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” He emphasized the importance of continuous skill development and timely updates as key drivers of success. Mr Soni remarked, “Remaining in the same position without getting updated signifies stagnation in today’s ever-changing world.” He further explained that the skills required earlier to attain a position may no longer be sufficient to excel in the current scenario. He highlighted the significance of skill enhancement in navigating today’s competitive landscape, stressing that individual efforts are crucial for the university to maintain its leading position by constantly striving for excellence.
He also utilized the opportunity to introduce iGOT and provide a practical demonstration, underscoring the critical importance of training. Encouraging greater participation, Mr. Soni passionately called for an increase in nominations for the training program, advocating for diligent learning to achieve optimal outcomes. This is especially pertinent considering the substantial time and resources the university dedicates to these initiatives.
The session was led by Shri Uday Shankar Upadhyaya, Internal Audit Officer with vast experience from Railway services and the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). He was supported by his intern, Shri Adarsh Jaiswal. The session provided participants with valuable insights into audit principles, processes and their integration into organisational practices.
Mr. Upadhyaya clarified that audits are tools for building transparency and trust, not fault-finding, and emphasized their role in fostering clarity and organizational integrity. The session discussed India’s 93rd rank in the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) with a score of 39/100, highlighting the need for stronger governance and audits to address challenges like bribery and nepotism. The training covered different types of audits and outlined a five-step process—planning, fieldwork, analysis, reporting, and follow-up—focused on accountability and compliance. Real-world examples, such as a University of California case study, demonstrated how audits improved processes, saved costs, and inspired participants. Challenges in audits, like insufficient training and resistance to change, were addressed with solutions like fostering a positive audit culture and promoting self-auditing for improvement.
Feedback from participants indicated that the session was clear, informative, and practical, with a valuable audit presentation that addressed doubts, enhanced understanding, and raised awareness of auditing for office application. The training demonstrated Banaras Hindu University’s commitment to transparency and excellence, supporting its ongoing efforts to align with global best practices and promote continuous improvement.
