CAG Full Form

<<–2/”>a href=”https://exam.pscnotes.com/5653-2/”>h2>CAG: Comptroller and Auditor General of India

Role and Responsibilities

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is the supreme audit institution of India. It is an independent constitutional body established by ARTICLE 148 of the Constitution of India. The CAG is responsible for Auditing the accounts of the Union and State Governments, including their departments, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and autonomous bodies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Audit: Examining the accounts of the government to ensure that they are accurate, complete, and compliant with relevant laws and regulations.
• Performance Audit: Evaluating the efficiency, effectiveness, and Economy of government programs and activities.
• Compliance Audit: Checking whether government departments and agencies are adhering to established rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Propriety Audit: Assessing the legality and propriety of government transactions.
• Social Audit: Examining the impact of government programs on the lives of citizens.
• Environmental Audit: Evaluating the environmental impact of government activities.

Appointment and Tenure

The CAG is appointed by the President of India for a term of six years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier. The CAG is not eligible for reappointment.

Qualifications:

• Must have held a high office in the civil service of the Union or a State.
• Must have experience in financial administration.

Independence and Accountability

The CAG is an independent body, free from any political interference. The CAG is accountable to the Parliament and reports directly to the President of India.

Independence:

• The CAG is appointed by the President, but the appointment is not subject to the approval of the government.
• The CAG is not removable from office except by impeachment by Parliament.
• The CAG has the power to access any government records and to summon witnesses.

Accountability:

• The CAG submits an annual report to the President, who then lays it before Parliament.
• The CAG is also required to submit reports on specific matters to Parliament as and when required.
• The CAG is subject to parliamentary scrutiny and can be questioned by members of Parliament.

Audit Process

The CAG conducts audits through a Network of offices across India. The audit process involves the following steps:

1. Planning: The CAG plans the audit based on the nature of the entity being audited and the objectives of the audit.
2. Execution: The CAG conducts the audit by examining records, interviewing staff, and conducting site visits.
3. Reporting: The CAG prepares an audit report that summarizes the findings of the audit and makes recommendations for improvement.

Reports and Recommendations

The CAG submits its reports to the President, who then lays them before Parliament. The reports are also made public. The CAG’s reports often highlight irregularities, inefficiencies, and Corruption in government departments and agencies. The CAG’s recommendations are often accepted by the government and implemented.

Impact of CAG Reports

The CAG’s reports have a significant impact on governance in India. They have led to the exposure of corruption, the improvement of government efficiency, and the implementation of reforms.

Examples of Impact:

• The CAG’s report on the 2G spectrum allocation scandal led to the cancellation of licenses and the prosecution of several individuals.
• The CAG’s report on the Commonwealth Games scam led to the resignation of several officials and the implementation of reforms in the Sports ministry.
• The CAG’s report on the coal block allocation scam led to the cancellation of several allocations and the prosecution of several individuals.

Role in Strengthening Democracy

The CAG plays a vital role in strengthening democracy in India by:

• Promoting accountability: The CAG holds the government accountable for its actions and ensures that public funds are used efficiently and effectively.
• Ensuring transparency: The CAG’s reports provide transparency in government operations and allow citizens to hold the government accountable.
• Protecting public interest: The CAG’s audits protect the public interest by ensuring that government funds are not misused or wasted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the difference between the CAG and the Comptroller and Auditor General of the United Kingdom?

A: The CAG of India is a constitutional body, while the Comptroller and Auditor General of the United Kingdom is a statutory body. The CAG of India has a wider mandate than the Comptroller and Auditor General of the United Kingdom, including the audit of public sector undertakings.

Q2: What is the role of the CAG in the Indian Parliament?

A: The CAG is accountable to Parliament and submits its reports to the President, who then lays them before Parliament. The CAG can be questioned by members of Parliament.

Q3: What are the powers of the CAG?

A: The CAG has the power to access any government records and to summon witnesses. The CAG can also recommend disciplinary action against government officials who are found to have committed irregularities.

Q4: How can I access the CAG’s reports?

A: The CAG’s reports are available on the CAG’s website. They are also available in the Parliament Library and in other government libraries.

Q5: What is the importance of the CAG in a democracy?

A: The CAG plays a vital role in strengthening democracy by promoting accountability, ensuring transparency, and protecting the public interest.

Tables

Table 1: Key Responsibilities of the CAG

Table 2: Examples of CAG Reports and their Impact