Why in the news?

  • The CAG of India has granted permission to initiate two new cadres for more centralisation.

Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG)

  • Constitutional Provisions:
    • Article 148 to Article 151 deal with the provisions related to Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).
  • Functions of CAG:
    • CAG is the head of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department.
    • She/He is the custodian of the public purse and oversees the whole financial system of the country at both the federal and state levels.
    • His/her duty is to maintain the Indian Constitution and the legislation of Parliament in the sphere of financial administration.
    • CAG audits all expenditures from the Consolidated Fund of India, each state’s consolidated fund, and each union territory with a Legislative Assembly’s consolidated fund.
    • She/He audits all expenditures from the Contingency Fund of India and the Public
    • Account of India, as well as each state’s contingency fund and public account.
  • Reports by CAG:
    • The CAG submits three audit reports to the President– on appropriation accounts, on finance accounts, and on public undertakings.
    •  These reports are presented to both houses of Parliament by the President. The PAC investigates these reports and provides its findings to Parliament.