Rs 1 lakh crore being saved through efficient use of technology: Nirmala Sitharaman

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said that the country is saving Rs 1 lakh crore by removing corruption and wrongdoing through the efficient use of technology.

"Rs 1 lakh crore being saved for the country through DBT is not just symbolic. It is done through the efficient use of technology, without really making anyone feel that you are not entitled. You have proven that corruption and wrongdoing can be moved out of the system through efficiency," Sitharaman said at the inaugural session of the 44th Civil Accounts Day function here.

Praising the Public Finance Management System (PFMS) started by the government, she said: "The government has revolutionised the technology-driven PFMS that has silently empowered India to be accountable, responsive, and transparent."

She further said that the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) scheme has become an identity of the country in the international world.

"Today wherever in the world we go, all over the world there is recognition for DBT and GST. Whoever wants to take credit of DBT may do so, but it is a huge silent revolution," she said.

Commending the role of Controller General of Accounts (CGA), Sitharaman said that not only that it is making the nation more efficient and transparent but is also more effective in using its public finance.

The Union Finance Minister further implored the civil accounts officers present at the event to adapt to the changes taking place with each passing day. Expenditure Secretary T V Somanathan was also present at the function held on Sunday.