India’s audit system gets a tech upgrade with geo-spatial tools

India’s auditing system is going high-tech. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has partnered with Bhaskaracharya National Institute of Space Application and Geo-Informatics (BISAG-N) to use geo-spatial technology, AI, and big data for smarter, more precise audits.

This move aims to improve financial oversight, track government projects, and boost transparency in public spending.

The MoU was signed by T.P. Singh, director general of BISAG-N, and S. Ramann, deputy CAG and chief technology officer, in the presence of Comptroller and Auditor General K. Sanjay Murthy on Tuesday.

Emphasising the importance of technological self-reliance, Murthy highlighted that working with an institution like BISAG-N would not only enhance audit capabilities but also showcase India’s progress in using indigenous technological solutions for governance.

He further stated that the initiative aligns with efforts to build digital public infrastructure that can be leveraged across sectors.

The partnership is expected to strengthen audit methodologies by integrating geo-spatial analytics, AI-driven insights, and big data processing, as per an official statement issued by CAG on Wednesday.

Real-time insights & transparency

“These tools will enable auditors to assess infrastructure projects, environmental impact, and financial irregularities with greater precision. The collaboration also aims to develop a dedicated platform for audit analysis using geo-spatial data from the PM-GatiShakti pipeline, offering real-time insights into key government initiatives,” it said.

In addition, joint research efforts will explore the use of satellite imagery and remote sensing for identifying inefficiencies and leakages in public spending, it said.

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For CAG, the agreement marks a step towards breaking conventional audit limitations and adopting data-driven, tech-enabled mechanisms to improve financial scrutiny.

With increasing reliance on digital governance, the move also reflects the government’s broader strategy of integrating homegrown technological capabilities into public administration.

By incorporating modern tools and investing in capacity-building programmes, CAG aims to position itself at the forefront of innovation in financial oversight, reinforcing accountability and transparency in governance.

BISAG-N specialises in geospatial technology, satellite communication, and digital applications across sectors like agriculture, water resources, and disaster management. It provides satellite-based advisory services, digital education platforms, and decision-support systems for policy planning and implementation.

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