Letters: Why blame the CAG?

This refers to Premvir Das’ article “CAG’s shot in the dark” (September 21). The writer has said the result of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on the Bofors gun deal “has been calamitous in that no new gun has been inducted in the Army over the past 25 years”. He has given some more examples to conclude that the CAG’s objections have cost India and its security dearly. The writer seems to be suggesting that the CAG should be blamed for pointing out wasteful expenditure or instances of bribery in defence purchases, and not the bribe-takers. So, in case the CAG points out that improper storage has damaged ammunition, should we refrain from buying ammunition for the next 15 years? And should we blame the CAG for this? The writer must realise that a CAG report is not to be used as an excuse for inaction, but for course correction.

Sukumar Mukhopadhyay, New Delhi

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