The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has said that it does not support “over-sighting role for the Public Accounts Committee” (PAC) on its audit planning. In response to a parliament question Namo Narain Meena, minister of state for finance said today that autonomy and independence of the CAG is critical to his ability to faithfully discharge its duty.
Meena was responding to a query regarding Shunglu Committee’s views suggesting changes in CAG. One of the recommendations said that CAG should discuss its annual audit plan with PAC and that CAG accounts should be audited by a professional auditor appointed by the PAC.
The minister said that the constitution vests the powers of audit in relation to accounts with CAG. “Entrustment of audit of the CAG’s accounts to any other authority would be ultaravires of this provision,” he said.
Meena also said that the government has not taken any decision on constituting a multi-member CAG of India. Meena also said that CAG is assisted by a multi-member collegium of five deputy CAG to scrutinise and finalise the audit reports before it is signed by the CAG. He said this was to ensure that the department is adequately equipped to handle the diverse range of audit issues.
Shunglu Committee in its recommendations had also said that CAG should have a three member body and that one member should have professional accounting experience.
