Starting from 16th November 2021 “Audit Diwas/Day” is being celebrated by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. Along with “Audit Diwas” an “Audit Awareness Week” is also being observed across the country. On this occasion, the office of the Principal Accountant General, Nagaland, Kohima organised an inter-college extempore speech competition on 24th November 2021 with the focus on “Accountability, Transparency and Good Governance”. Twenty-four students representing 12 colleges in and around Kohima participated in the competition. The event was organised to give a platform to today’s youth to express their views on the present scenario of “Accountability, Transparency and Good Governance”. Some interesting views expressed by the participants were- · Government and the public should work together for better governance. · Marginalised and people at the grassroots level are suffering more due to corruption at the top and development not reaching them. · Lack of strong action against wrong-doers’ is encouraging more corruption in the state. · There is overpopulation of educated youths; we need to change our mindsets and look towards private sectors/self- employment and not only depend on government jobs. · Students should come together to raise their voice against backdoor appointments and fight for equal opportunity. · RTI Act is a powerful tool to promote transparency and accountability: However, RTI Act is only a tool to get the information, it is up to us to use it effectively. · Punctuality and discipline in the government offices will promote good governance. · Looking at the deplorable conditions of the government hospitals in the state, the health sector need to be strengthened otherwise it is like a ticking time-bomb.. · The Government has failed to monitor the judicious utilisation of public money. People should ask where, why and how the public money is spent? · Citizens are important stakeholders and therefore should take the responsibility to hold the Government accountable. · Public and the government should work together to promote free and fair election so that good and capable leaders are elected to ensure good governance. This is the pulse of today’s youth. The judges for the competition were Dr. Rosemary Dzüvichü, Professor, Department of English, Nagaland University, Rupin Sharma, IPS, DG (Home Guards, Prisons & SDRF) and Rajesh Soundararajan, IAS, DC Dimapur. The result of the competition is as follows: 1. Mr. Takanungba Pongen of Modern College, Kohima. (Rs. 15,000 with Certificate) 2. Miss HanlulaYimchungrü of Sazolie College, Jotsoma. (Rs. 10,000 with Certificate) 3. Miss Philomina Rutsa of Kohima Science College, Jotsoma. (Rs. 5,000 with Certificate) Also, consolation prizes (Rs. 1000) with certificates were given to all the participants.

(DIPR)