Fiscal Guardianship: Role and Challenges of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in India
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Fiscal Guardianship: Role and Challenges of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in India
Article 148: Comptroller and Auditor General of India
Article 148 establishes the office of the CAG, who is entrusted with auditing and reporting on the government's expenditures to ensure financial accountability.
Article 149: Duties and Powers of the CAG
Article 149 outlines the duties and powers of the CAG, including auditing the government's accounts, examining expenditures, and presenting audit reports to the President or the Governor, as applicable.
Article 150: Form of Accounts of the Union and the States
Article 150 specifies the format of accounts to be maintained by the Union and the States, as prescribed by the CAG, ensuring uniform accounting standards and transparency in financial reporting.
Article 151: Audit Reports
Article 151 mandates that the audit reports prepared by the CAG be submitted to the President or the Governor, who then presents them to the Parliament or the State Legislature, respectively.
Modern Era Interpretation:
In the contemporary era, these articles remain fundamental in ensuring fiscal accountability and transparency. While not heavily reliant on extensive case laws, their interpretation and application have been influenced by the CAG's reports and significant instances involving fiscal accountability.
Key Instances and CAG Reports:
2G Spectrum Scam (2010): The CAG's report on the 2G spectrum allocation exposed irregularities and alleged losses in the allocation process, prompting significant debates and interventions.
Coal Block Allocation (2012): The CAG's report on coal block allocations highlighted lapses and potential revenue losses, leading to policy changes and legal interventions.
Contemporary Relevance and Challenges:
In the contemporary landscape, Articles 148 to 151 face challenges related to ensuring comprehensive audits, addressing emerging financial complexities, and ensuring timely action on audit recommendations.
Technological Advancements:
Adapting to technological advancements and their impact on financial transactions poses challenges in conducting thorough audits in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Timely Action on Audit Findings:
Ensuring that audit findings lead to tangible improvements and corrective measures remains a challenge, requiring proactive responses from the government based on CAG reports.
Conclusion:
Articles 148 to 151 of the Indian Constitution establish the pivotal role of the Comptroller and Auditor General in ensuring fiscal accountability and transparency in governmental finances. While not extensively backed by numerous case laws, the influence of the CAG's reports and significant instances involving financial irregularities underscore the enduring significance of these articles. As India navigates through the complexities of fiscal governance in the modern era, adapting to technological advancements, addressing emerging challenges, and ensuring timely action on audit findings remain pivotal. The CAG continues to play a critical role in fostering fiscal integrity within the Indian governance framework.
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