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India is a country that is rich in culture and history. One of the most important aspects of Indian democracy is the role of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). The CAG is an independent authority that plays a vital role in ensuring that the government operates efficiently and effectively. In this article, we will discuss the role of the CAG in India’s democracy, and why he is such an important figurehead.
What Is Comptroller and Auditor General?
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India is an important constitutional office. The CAG is appointed by the President of India following a recommendation by the Prime Minister. The CAG holds office for a term of six years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
The primary role of the CAG is to audit all receipts and expenditures of the Government of India and report its findings to the Parliament. The CAG also audits government-owned companies and advises them on improving their financial management. In addition, the CAG performs other important functions such as investigating cases of corruption and maladministration in government departments.
Why Is the Comptroller And Auditor General Important?
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India is an important constitutional authority. The CAG audits all receipts and expenditures of the Government of India and its entities. The office ensures that public money is spent wisely and efficiently.
The CAG also keeps a check on government departments to ensure that they are following financial rules and regulations. If any irregularities are found, the CAG can report them to the President or Parliament.
The CAG’s reports are tabled in Parliament every year. These reports help parliamentarians understand how different ministries and departments are functioning financially. Based on these reports, parliamentarians can raise questions and demand accountability from the government.
Hence, the CAG plays a vital role in India’s democracy. It helps ensure that public money is spent wisely and efficiently and that government departments are following financial rules and regulations.
Who Is The Comptroller and Auditor General Of India?
Girish Chandra Murmu is present Comptroller and Auditor General of India. He is a 1985 batch IAS officer of the Gujarat cadre. The office of the CAG is established under Article 148 of the Indian Constitution. The CAG is India’s supreme audit institution and functions as an arm of the Parliament.
The CAG is appointed by the President of India following a recommendation by the Prime Minister. The term of office is six years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. The CAG can only be removed from office by an order of the President on grounds of proven misbehavior or incapacity after an impeachment process against him/her has been initiated in Parliament.
The duties and powers of the CAG are mentioned in Articles 149-151A of the constitution and they are as follows:
- The CAG is vested with the responsibility of auditing all receipts and expenditures of the Government of India, whether incurred within India or outside. This includes the audit of government companies and corporations.
- The CAG is also responsible for auditing the accounts of anybody or authority when so requested by the President.
- The reports of the CAG are submitted to Parliament, and they are examined by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and Comptroller & Auditor General’s Report on Action Taken by Public Accounts Committee (ATPAC).
- The reports of the CAG are taken into consideration by Parliament while making laws relating to financial matters. They are also used as a tool of financial accountability by civil society groups.
The office of the CAG has been in existence since the time of the British Raj. The first CAG of India was Sir Ashley Eden, who served from 1866-to 1870. The office has since been held by many eminent persons, including V.P. Menon, Shri K.V. Reddy and Vinod Rai.
Conclusion
The Comptroller and Auditor General is the unsung hero of India’s democracy. He or she is responsible for ensuring that the government’s finances are in order and for auditing its accounts. Without the CAG, there would be no check on the government’s spending.
The CAG plays a vital role in ensuring accountability and transparency in the government. He or she is an important watchdog of Indian democracy. The CAG has a crucial role to play in India’s fight against corruption. He or she can bring to light any irregularities in the government’s accounts.
