<–2/”>a >The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) promotes accountability, transparency and Good Governance through high quality Auditing and accounting.The Comptroller and auditor general (CAG) of India is empower to audit all expenses from the combine Fund of the union or state governments, whether incurred within India or outside. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is the Head of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department (IA&AD) and derives his constitutional standing as the Auditor of the Union and State Governments from Articles 149 to 151 of the Constitution.
Duties of the CAG
- Receipts and expenditure of the Union and the State Governments accounted for in the respective Consolidated Funds.
• Transactions relating to emergency Funds (created for use in circumstances) and the Public Accounts (used mainly for loans, deposits and Remittances).
• Trading, manufacturing, profit and loss accounts and balance sheets and other subsidiary accounts kept in any Government Department.
• Accounts of Government organisations, Government companies and Government corporations whose statutes provide for audit by the CAG.
• Authorities and bodies substantially financed from the Consolidated Funds of the Union and the States.
• Any body or authority even though not substantially financed from the Consolidated Fund at the request of the President or the Governor.
• Accounts of bodies and authorities receiving loans and grants from the Government for specific purposes.
The duties of Comptroller and Auditor General includes audit of: ? all expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India of Union, of each State and of each Union Territory having a Legislative Assembly with the objective to ascertain whether the moneys shown in the accounts as having been disbursed were legally available for and applicable to the service or purpose to which they have been applied or charged and whether the expenditure conforms to the authority which governs it; ? all transactions of the Union and of the States/Union Territory having a Legislature relating to Contingency Funds and Public Accounts; ? all trading, manufacturing, profit and loss accounts and balance-sheets and other subsidiary accounts kept in any department of the Union or of a State and in each case, to report on the expenditure, transactions or accounts so audited by him; ? receipts and expenditure of bodies or authorities substantially financed from Union or State revenues; ? grants or loans given to other authorities or bodies; ? revenue of the Union and of the State Governments; ? accounts of stores and stock; ? Government Companies and Corporations under the Company’s Act 1956 read with CAG’s (DPC) Act, 1971 ; and ? accounts of other authorities or bodies as per their statute or upon request by the Governor of a State or the Administrator of a Union Territory having a Legislative Assembly.
Compilation of accounts of the State Government; ? preparation of the annual accounts of the States Governments and Union Territories having a Legislative Assembly; and ? rendering accounting information and assistance to the State Governments.
CAG presents a number of Audit Reports on the basis of audit of the Union Government and the State Governments to the Parliament and State Legislature respectively under ARTICLE 151 of the Constitution of India. In addition, CAG certifies the Appropriation Accounts and Finance Accounts of the Union Government and of the State Governments and forwards them to the President / Governors of States for being laid on the Table of Parliament and State legislature respectively. CAG also submits Separate Audit Reports on all statutory corporations and autonomous bodies, for which he is the sole auditor.
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The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is an independent constitutional authority responsible for auditing the accounts of the Union and the States of India, as well as of bodies and authorities substantially financed by the government. The CAG is also responsible for auditing the accounts of public corporations and companies in which the government has a financial interest.
The CAG was established in 1860 by the Indian Audit and Accounts Department Act. The first CAG was Sir Richard Strachey. The CAG is appointed by the President of India on the advice of the Prime Minister. The CAG holds office for a term of six years or until he attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
The CAG has the power to audit all receipts and expenditure of the Union and the States, as well as of bodies and authorities substantially financed by the government. The CAG also has the power to audit the accounts of public corporations and companies in which the government has a financial interest.
The CAG submits an annual report to the President of India. The annual report is laid before both Houses of Parliament. The CAG also submits special audit reports on specific matters, as and when required.
The CAG’s reports are of great importance in ensuring public accountability. The reports highlight instances of financial irregularities and mismanagement. The reports also make recommendations for improvement.
The CAG has been facing a number of challenges in recent years. One of the major challenges is the increasing complexity of government finances. The CAG has to keep pace with the changing financial landscape in order to effectively discharge its duties.
Another challenge is the increasing politicization of the CAG’s office. The CAG has been accused of being biased in its reports. The CAG has to ensure that its reports are objective and impartial.
The CAG has also been criticized for its slow pace of work. The CAG has to take steps to expedite its audit process.
Despite the challenges, the CAG continues to play a vital role in ensuring public accountability. The CAG’s reports are a valuable source of information on the state of government finances. The CAG’s recommendations are often taken up by the government for implementation. The CAG is a key institution in the fight against Corruption.
In recent years, the CAG has undertaken a number of reforms to improve its functioning. The CAG has set up a number of new audit cells to focus on specific areas, such as Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE, social sector schemes, and public sector enterprises. The CAG has also introduced a number of new audit techniques, such as performance audit and value for Money audit.
The CAG has also taken steps to improve its Transparency and Accountability. The CAG has made its reports more accessible to the public. The CAG has also set up a website to provide information about its activities.
The CAG is a vital institution in the Indian Democracy. The CAG’s reports play a key role in ensuring public accountability. The CAG is committed to improving its functioning and to providing a more effective audit of government finances.
What is the CAG?
The CAG is an independent constitutional authority responsible for auditing the accounts of the Union and the States, as well as for auditing the accounts of bodies and authorities that receive money from the Union or the States.
What are the functions of the CAG?
The CAG’s functions include:
- Auditing the accounts of the Union and the States;
- Auditing the accounts of bodies and authorities that receive money from the Union or the States;
- Reporting to Parliament and the State Legislatures on the results of its audits;
- Conducting performance audits;
- Investigating complaints of financial irregularities;
- Providing information and advice to Parliament and the State Legislatures on financial matters.
How is the CAG appointed?
The CAG is appointed by the President on the recommendation of a select committee of Parliament. The CAG holds office for a term of six years or until he/she attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
What is the status of the CAG?
The CAG is an independent constitutional authority. This means that the CAG is not subject to the control of any other authority, including the Government of India.
What are the powers of the CAG?
The CAG has wide powers to conduct audits and investigations. The CAG has the power to summon any person, to require the production of any document, and to inspect any office or place. The CAG also has the power to issue directions to any person or authority.
What are the reports of the CAG?
The CAG’s reports are submitted to Parliament and the State Legislatures. The reports of the CAG are very important as they provide information on the financial affairs of the Union and the States. The reports of the CAG are also used by Parliament and the State Legislatures to hold the Government accountable.
What are the criticisms of the CAG?
The CAG has been criticized for being too slow in submitting its reports. The CAG has also been criticized for not being able to effectively investigate corruption.
What are the reforms of the CAG?
The CAG has been reformed in recent years. The CAG has been given more powers to conduct audits and investigations. The CAG has also been given more Resources to carry out its work.
What is the future of the CAG?
The CAG is likely to continue to play an important role in the Indian financial system. The CAG is likely to be given even more powers in the future to effectively investigate corruption and to hold the Government accountable.
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is an independent constitutional authority of India, responsible for auditing the accounts of the central and state governments, as well as of Public Sector Undertakings. The CAG is also responsible for auditing the accounts of local bodies and other Statutory Bodies.
The CAG is appointed by the President of India on the advice of the Prime Minister. The CAG holds office for a term of six years or until he/she attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
The CAG is assisted by a number of officers, including the Deputy Comptroller and Auditor General, the Assistant Comptroller and Auditor General, and the Auditors. The CAG’s office is located in New Delhi.
The CAG’s functions are laid down in the Constitution of India. The CAG is responsible for auditing the accounts of the central and state governments, as well as of public sector undertakings. The CAG is also responsible for auditing the accounts of local bodies and other statutory bodies.
The CAG is also responsible for conducting performance audits of government departments and agencies. The CAG is also responsible for conducting special audits, which are ordered by the President of India or the Parliament of India.
The CAG’s reports are submitted to the President of India, who is required to lay them before Parliament. The CAG’s reports are also made available to the public.
The CAG is a powerful institution, and its reports have often led to major changes in government policy and practice. The CAG is an important safeguard against corruption and misuse of public funds.
Here are some MCQs on the CAG:
The CAG is appointed by the:
(a) President of India
(b) Prime Minister of India
(c) Parliament of India
(d) Supreme Court of IndiaThe CAG holds office for a term of:
(a) 5 years
(b) 6 years
(c) 7 years
(d) 8 yearsThe CAG is assisted by a number of officers, including the:
(a) Deputy Comptroller and Auditor General
(b) Assistant Comptroller and Auditor General
(c) Auditors
(d) All of the aboveThe CAG’s functions are laid down in the:
(a) Constitution of India
(b) Indian Penal Code
(c) Code of Criminal Procedure
(d) None of the aboveThe CAG is responsible for auditing the accounts of the:
(a) Central government
(b) State governments
(c) Public sector undertakings
(d) All of the aboveThe CAG is also responsible for conducting performance audits of government departments and agencies.
(a) True
(b) FalseThe CAG is also responsible for conducting special audits, which are ordered by the:
(a) President of India
(b) Parliament of India
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) None of the aboveThe CAG’s reports are submitted to the:
(a) President of India
(b) Prime Minister of India
(c) Parliament of India
(d) All of the aboveThe CAG’s reports are also made available to the:
(a) Public
(b) Media
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) None of the aboveThe CAG is a powerful institution, and its reports have often led to major changes in government policy and practice.
(a) True
(b) False