Auditor General Lhakpa Gyaltsen inaugurating the training program with a lighting of ceremonial butter lamp before His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s portrait.

Dharamshala: The Office of the Auditor General (OAG) commenced a comprehensive Induction and Tally Training program for its newly recruited staff on 9 October 2024. The training, which will run until 30 October 2024, is being conducted at three locations: the Administrative Training & Welfare Society [ATWS] in Khanyara, Dharamshala, as well as the OAG branches in Dekyiling and Bylakupee. 

The 10-days training in Dharamshala focuses on equipping participants with essential auditing skills and knowledge, as well as proficiency in Tally software. Key aspects of the training include modules on inventory management, Goods and Services Tax (GST), Tax Deducted at Source (TDS), and Tally-based auditing techniques through Tally Software. These sessions are designed to enhance the trainees’ technical capabilities in managing and auditing financial records. 

In addition to the technical training in Dharamshala, participants will engage in OAG branch offices in Dekyiling and Bylakupee in field visits to various auditing units. These visits aim to provide hands-on experience in auditing operations, allowing trainees to explore different auditing environments and gain practical insights into the unique challenges of on-site auditing.

The training program was formally inaugurated by the Auditor General, Lhakpa Gyaltsen, who offered a butter lamp and white scarf in front of a portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama as part of the opening ceremony. In his speech, Lhakpa Gyaltsen emphasised the importance of continuous learning and the significant role of auditors in ensuring accountability and transparency within the system & also stresses his view that we as an auditor are not there to point out the mistakes but to extend help and build strong system. He encouraged the trainees to make the most of the training and to strive for excellence in their roles.

Following this, Additional Secretary, Thinley Chomphel introduced the training program, providing an overview of the objectives and the training schedule. He highlighted the critical role of this training in preparing the new recruits to meet the evolving demands of the auditing profession, ensuring they are equipped with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for their responsibilities.

The session concluded with a heartfelt thank you note delivered by Joint Secretary, Kunchok Wangdu, who expressed his gratitude to all the participants, trainers, organisers and also recognised the invaluable contributions of the Central Tibetan Administration’s (CTA) Social and Resource Development Fund (SARD), with support from the National Democratic Institute (NDI). Their assistance was crucial in organising and delivering this training, reflecting a collaborative effort to strengthen the capacity of the OAG and support the development of auditing professionals within the Tibetan community for their contributions. He emphasised the importance of such training initiatives in fostering professional growth and ensuring that the new recruits are well-prepared for the responsibilities ahead. Following his closing remarks, butter tea and sweet rice were offered to all attendees, marking a warm and traditional end to the opening ceremony. 

The program is expected to provide a solid foundation for the new recruits, preparing them to uphold the standards of transparency and accountability in their future work with the OAG. 

-Report filed by Office of Auditor General