The National Dental Commission has introduced the draft National Dental Commission (Annual Statement of Accounts, Submission of Annual Report and Other Reports and Statements) Rules, 2023. These draft rules seek to outline the financial and reporting framework for the Commission. The draft rules were published on November 22, 2023.
Under these rules, the Commission is required to maintain its accounts and prepare annual financial statements in accordance with the instructions and accounting principles issued by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India. Every officer of the Commission incurring or authorizing expenditure from the National Dental Commission Fund is mandated to adhere to the standards of financial propriety and the General Financial Rules, 2017.
The annual financial statements, including the balance sheet, income and expenditure account, and receipt and payment account, are to be prepared at the end of each financial year. These statements will be approved, adopted, and signed by the Chairperson and one Member of the Commission before being forwarded to the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India for audit. The audited accounts, along with the audit report, will then be sent to the Central Government for presentation before both Houses of Parliament.
In addition to financial reporting, the Commission is required to submit various reports and statements annually to the Central Government by June 30th. This information, covering aspects such as policies for dental education, regulations for dental institutions and professionals, healthcare infrastructure assessments, and compliance reports, will be submitted electronically in PDF. Two hard copies of the same will be forwarded to the Joint Secretary to the Government of India in charge of the National Dental Commission affairs at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare by speed post.
Furthermore, the Commission will prepare an annual report, detailing matters specified in Form B of the Schedule annexed to the rules. This report is to be submitted to the Central Government by September 30th each year, both electronically and with two hard copies sent by speed post.
These comprehensive rules are expected to streamline financial processes and reporting mechanisms, ensuring greater accountability and facilitating effective oversight of the National Dental Commission’s activities.
