Congress leader K C Venugopal takes charge as PAC chairman

New Delhi: Senior Congress leader K C Venugopal has officially taken charge as Chairman of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Tuesday.

Venugopal thanked Speaker Om Birla, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, for their trust in him. He shared his thoughts on X saying, "As I take charge as Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament, I am grateful for the faith bestowed upon me."

He also emphasised his commitment in maintaining high standards of integrity and accountability in his new role. "I vow to ensure that every stakeholder upholds the highest standards of probity and accountability," Venugopal wrote.

The Public Accounts Committee, along with the Public Undertakings and Estimates Committees, plays a crucial role in overseeing the government’s accounts and the operations of public sector companies. These committees have a one-year term and include members from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, who are elected by their respective Houses.

Traditionally, the PAC is led by a senior member of the principal opposition party in the Lok Sabha. Prior to Venugopal, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury chaired the PAC for five years.

(With agency inputs)