The necessity
to control public expenditure in order to check misuse of public funds. The
most important means of control are as follows -----
1)Budgetary
Control:- Budgetary preparation is most primary stage of control of
expenditure. Budget is well thought-out plan of governmental activities during
the coming year. How much of the public funds are to be spent for which
particular activities, which particular department, what should be the
allocation of public funds for the use of particular department are all
specified in the budget frame.
2)Legislature
Control:- After the budget preparation it has to be presented in the
legislature for its approval. There occurs debate in the legislature where the members
seek clarification and justification of expenditure programs. After the
critical study expenditures estimated originally may be enhanced or kept unchanged according to the merit of the case.
3)Administrative
Control:- The rules and regulation ensure that no amount is spent
without proper sanction to same other purpose for which it is not sanctioned. There
is a elaborate body of rules to fix responsibility on specific executive
personnel for the funds spent.
4)Audit
Control:- The next step is scrutiny
of the accounts and audit control. Every department has its accounts section
which scrutinizes all accounts of expenditure
and ensure that public funds are spent according to rules of property, economy
and efficient utilization.