On July 23, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev received a presentation on the activities of the Accounts Chamber and measures to improve the execution system, according to the President’s press service.
In accordance with the Presidential Decree of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated July 10, 2024, “On Additional Measures to Strengthen Financial Control over the Use of Budget Funds,” the methodology of the Accounts Chamber has been modified and its powers expanded. Abandoning outdated forms of inspections, the agency has introduced new approaches, including financial, compliance, performance, and strategic audits.
The Accounts Chamber now acts not only as a supervisory body but also as a partner, promoting compliance with budgetary discipline. In this regard, the main focus is on preventing violations of financial discipline and analyzing the reasons for their occurrence.
Notably, audit activities over the first six months of this year have led to a reduction in inefficient budget expenditures by 5.6 trillion soums and the identification of additional revenue reserves for the budget amounting to 5 trillion soums.
As the country’s economy continues to grow steadily, so does the scale of financial control. Digitalization is considered the most effective tool for ensuring this. To this end, the “Remote Audit” information system was implemented, which has already eliminated violations amounting to 4 trillion soums.
During the presentation, the task was set to introduce elements of artificial intelligence into the system to eliminate factors causing violations.
The effectiveness of the financial control situation centers established last year in 12 ministries was noted. A decision was made to expand this system to another 10 ministries and departments. Furthermore, instructions were given to improve internal audit and internal control systems in budgetary organizations, as well as to strengthen information exchange with the Accounts Chamber.
In accordance with the presidential decree, state audit is being gradually brought up to international standards. Throughout the year, employees of the Accounts Chamber have worked with international auditors, adopting their experience. As a result, projects implemented through external borrowing are now audited according to international criteria. The importance of conducting audits from the initial stages of such projects was emphasized.
At the video conference on June 16, dedicated to analyzing the effectiveness of reforms, the Accounts Chamber was instructed to implement the “Khalk Nazorati” platform in all regions. The presentation showcased the work that has begun and the necessary measures to implement this project.
The platform will allow citizens to report problems related to construction, infrastructure, utilities, drinking water, energy supply, transport, and roads. All ministries, departments, and khokimiyats will be connected to the system for their prompt resolution.
Currently, work continues to improve the platform based on artificial intelligence, implement a vertical control system, and create call centers.
The Head of State gave instructions to responsible officials to strengthen execution discipline and ensure the targeted and rational use of budget funds.