Dharmendra Kumar is a member of IA&AS. He works under the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. At CAG, he leads the audits of several government entities. He is from the PFM Batch of 1993-95.
CAG audits all Government of India offices in India and abroad. The spectrum of the audit is very vast and diverse. It includes Central Govt departments, State governments, PSEs and even panchayats and schools. The audit brings out deficiencies in the systems and procedures and suggests improvements. It also helps the administration strengthen accountability mechanism. CAG’s audit reports are discussed by the Parliament and State legislatures and acted upon by the administration.
Q. How has been your journey from IIFM to this role?
After completing PFM, I worked in Ballarpur Industries for a couple of years. I could not continue there and decided to appear in the Civil Services Examination. Finally, I joined IA&AS in 2000. IIFM has played a critical role in shaping my career. PFM, being a course that gives you a very diverse education unlike other MBA courses, helped me not only in clearing UPSC exam but also in doing audits which are multi-disciplinary in nature.
Q. What were some of the key milestones/learning in this journey that you would like to share with us?
I got the chance to work in a number of states in India and abroad. This experience allowed me to learn about several institutions, societies and cultures. I have conducted many audits in the Oil & Gas sector. I have also audited several UN organisations like UN Headquarters, UN Peacekeeping Operations, UNICEF, WHO, IAEA, IMO, etc.
Q. What is the most satisfying part of your current role?
Contributing to improvements in government functioning and strengthening their accountability framework. It does save a lot of taxpayers’ money.
Q. Has your learning at IIFM helped in shaping how you approach your professional roles?
Of course. Whatever I learnt in IIFM has always been useful and formed the knowledge capital that we use.
Q. Who (or what) are the biggest influences or drivers in your careers? What would be your advice to freshers and IIFM graduates who are looking to choose similar sectors/roles.
Teachers, colleagues and friends have always been the most significant influencers for me. They decide the limits of standard deviation from normal behaviour.
I advise all freshers to excel in whichever field you have chosen. Nevertheless, make your career choice early. Keep learning at every stage of your life. Nothing goes waste; everything is useful at some point in time.
Q. What are your favorite memories during your IIFM days?
There are plenty of sweet memories. Tea breaks during classes, sitting outside mess after food, social gatherings on the rooftop of the hostel, singing sessions at lantana block and volleyball games are very nostalgic.
Q. In hindsight, what was the biggest contribution (courses, faculty, library, friends, alumni.. Anything else!!) or take away from IIFM that you think played a critical role in shaping you as an individual or professional?
I think my batchmates are my biggest takeaway from IIFM. All of them are unique and a kind of institution in themselves. I am in touch with most of them. As I mentioned above, the learning at IIFM provided very strong foundation in my career.
Q. The best buddies / seniors /faculty at IIFM? Some memorable tidbits that you like to share..
It is not possible to name a few. Most of the faculty, seniors, batchmates and juniors were very nice, friendly and helpful. A lot of bonding was there. We developed friendships for the rest of our life. That is the culture of IIFM.
Q. As an alumnus, what’s your advice to freshers or those are joining IIFM to get best out of the 2 years there?
Keep learning, making friends and enjoying your stay at IIFM. This is one of the most beautiful campuses in the country. Make full use of your time and facilities.
Q. What is your typical day at the office?
Meetings, clearing files and reading & editing reports.
Q. You would like share about your typical weekends.. Hobbies.. Family..
Family time followed by music, TV, internet, newspapers and magazines.
Q. Favorite Books, movies, authors, ..
I am not good at reading books and occasionally read some non-fiction. There are plenty of movies and web series that I have liked. I like suspense, drama and crime thrillers.
Q. IIFM is driven by alumni’s passion and commitments towards its goal. How would you like to contribute to IIFM or IIFM alumni, students?
Difficult to commit but would endeavour to do whatever I am asked to offer my support for.
Q. What do you think is different at IIFM now vs when you studied there? What do you think is a positive change and what is not?
I visited IIFM this year in February after 24 years. I found the IIFM students and staff very friendly and hospitable. In campus, I found a lot of changes—new hostel, new residences, new academic block and sports facility. I learnt about different specialisations in PFM which- according to me- is a very positive change.