Title : THE COMPTROLLER & AUDITOR GENERAL OF INDIA
Date : Dec 12, 2021
Description :
GS II
Topic à Constitutional & Non-Constitutional Bodies
CAG's Background:
In Chapter V of Part V of the Indian Constitution, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is established as an autonomous office.
The CAG is specified in Articles 148–151 of the Indian Constitution.
He is the Indian Audit and Accounts Department's head.
He is the keeper of the public purse and oversees the country's whole financial system at both the national and state levels.
In the field of financial administration, it is his responsibility to uphold the Indian Constitution and the rules of Parliament.
Appointment and Term of Office:
By a warrant under his hand and seal, the President of India appoints the CAG.
He is in office for six years or until he reaches the age of 65, whichever comes first.
Duties:
CAG audits all expenditure accounts from the Consolidated Fund of India, as well as the Consolidated Funds of each state and UT with a legislative assembly.
CAG audits all expenditures from India's Contingency Fund and Public Account, as well as each state's Contingency Fund and Public Account.
All trading, manufacturing, profit and loss accounts, balance sheets, and other subsidiary accounts maintained by any department of the Central Government and state governments are audited by the CAG.
When required by associated laws, the CAG audits the receipts and expenditures of all bodies and authorities significantly financed from Central or State income; government companies; and other corporations and bodies.
He determines and certifies the net profits of any tax or duty, and his certification is final.
He serves as a counsellor, companion, and philosopher to the Parliament's Public Accounts Committee.
Reports:
He presents his audit reports on the Centre's and State's accounts to the President and Governor, who then present them to both chambers of Parliament and the state legislature, respectively.
He presents the President with three audit reports: one on appropriation accounts, one on finance accounts, and one on public undertakings.