CAG Full Form: The CAG, or Comptroller and Auditor General of India, stands as the supreme auditor of the Government of India, holding constitutional status as an integral part of the Indian Parliament. Its jurisdiction encompasses audits of the Union (Central) Government, State Governments, Union Territories, and Local Governments. The appointment of the CAG is vested in the President of India as per Articles 148 to 151 of the Constitution, as amended by the 73rd Amendment.
The CAG operates without full-time employment elsewhere in the Union, State Governments, local authorities, or any remunerative profit-based occupation. Eligibility for the position excludes individuals who have previously held office under the Central or State Government.
Role and Function of CAG | CAG Full Form
The reports prepared by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India serve the Parliament and the public, offering transparency regarding government expenditure. Often likened to a Supreme Court judge in India, the CAG’s role is to provide an account of the state of public accounts, ensuring accountability throughout the public expenditure process and suggesting improvements.
Operations of the Comptroller and Auditor General
The CAG begins by scrutinizing accounts submitted by the government to Parliament and other Indian bodies, verifying the accuracy of expenditures. It subsequently informs both the Finance Ministry and the Prime Minister’s office.
Leadership Structure:
The Head of the Department (HOD) is the Secretary of India’s Audit and Accounts Department, possessing powers equivalent to those of a Supreme Court judge. The chairman of the CAG, a senior officer, is appointed by the President of India from among non-IAS officers holding the rank of Secretary to the Government of India or Director General, Audit and Accounts. The annual report of the CAG, previously expected on the last working day of May, is now released on June 1, having been delayed since 2016-17.
Membership Criteria:
The CAG consists of five members, with a limit of three members from the same political party. Eligibility requires a minimum of 20 years’ service at the Joint Secretary level, an MSc in Financial Management, and proficiency in Indian Accounting Standards. Candidates must also be under 62 years old and possess a Master’s degree in Commerce (with first-class honors). Appointment as chairman involves an interview and scrutiny process.
Composition of CAG:
The CAG comprises four members, including the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, the Additional Secretary of the Department of Personnel & Training, the Chief Vigilance Commissioner, and the Additional Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs.
Appointment and Tenure:
The President of India appoints the CAG directly for a term of five years. Established on April 30, 1972, the CAG plays a crucial role in conducting financial audits of government departments and organizations.
Budgetary Allocation:
The audit budget is fixed at Rs 500 crore, with the CAG functioning as an autonomous body registered under the Companies Act of 1956.
Conclusion | CAG Full Form
In conclusion CAG Full Form, the CAG, or Comptroller and Auditor General of India, serves as a vital entity ensuring fiscal transparency and accountability within the Indian government.