The CAG report had brought to light corruption to the tune of several crores of rupees in various schemes and activities , including Dwarka Expressway and Ayodhya development, says CM Stalin

The CAG report had brought to light corruption to the tune of several crores of rupees in various schemes and activities, including the Bharatmala, Dwarka Expressway, Ayodhya development, HAL aircraft design projects, collection of tolls at highway toll plazas and Ayushman Bharat, he alleged.

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India is an important constitutional authority in India. It's an independent body responsible for auditing the accounts of the central and state governments, as well as the accounts of various government departments, public sector undertakings, and other entities that receive government funds. The CAG plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficient use of public resources.

Key functions and responsibilities of the CAG:

Audit of Government Accounts: The primary function of the CAG is to audit and report on the financial transactions of the central and state governments.

This includes examining receipts, expenditures, and financial statements to ensure that they adhere to the principles of financial propriety, legality, and regularity.

Performance Audit: Apart from financial audits, the CAG also conducts performance audits to assess the efficiency, effectiveness, and economy of government programs and activities.

This helps in identifying areas where government resources are not being utilized optimally.

Audit of Autonomous Bodies: The CAG also audits the accounts of various autonomous bodies, corporations, and entities that receive government funds to ensure that they are using the funds in accordance with the intended purposes.

Audit of Public Sector Undertakings: The CAG audits the accounts of public sector undertakings (PSUs) to evaluate their financial health and the proper utilization of resources.

Submission of Audit Reports: The CAG submits its audit reports to the President of India, who then presents them to the Parliament.

These reports highlight instances of financial irregularities, inefficiencies, and recommendations for improvements.

Independent Watchdog: The CAG acts as an independent watchdog, providing an external perspective on the government's financial management and performance.

This helps in maintaining transparency and accountability in the functioning of government entities.

Constitutional Authority: The CAG's position is enshrined in the Constitution of India, making it a vital institution for ensuring good governance and the proper use of public funds.

The CAG's reports play a significant role in parliamentary oversight and public accountability.

They contribute to informed decision-making by the government and help in identifying areas for improvement in governance and financial management.

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, while being an important institution for maintaining financial accountability and transparency, does have certain limitations and challenges. Some of these limitations include:

Lack of Real-Time Audit: The CAG's audits are generally conducted after the fact, which means that it may not be able to prevent financial irregularities and mismanagement in real time.

By the time audit findings are reported, the damage may already be done.

Limited Scope: The CAG's audits cover a vast and complex range of government activities, but due to resource constraints, it may not be possible to comprehensively cover all areas, leading to potential gaps in oversight.

Dependence on Government Data: The CAG relies on the data and information provided by government departments and agencies for its audits. If this data is inaccurate or manipulated, it could impact the accuracy of audit findings.

Delay in Report Submission: The delay in submitting audit reports to the Parliament can sometimes reduce the impact of audit findings, as the issues might have become less relevant by the time they are discussed.

Limited Follow-Up Mechanism: While the CAG can highlight financial irregularities and offer recommendations for corrective actions, there might be limitations in ensuring that these recommendations are implemented effectively by the government.

Lack of Legal Authority: While the CAG's recommendations are influential, it lacks direct legal authority to enforce its findings or recommendations, which can limit its ability to ensure compliance.

Complex Government Structure: India's federal structure and multiple layers of government (central, state, and local) make it challenging for the CAG to oversee all levels of government effectively.

Political Influence: There could be instances of political interference or pressure that affect the CAG's independence and its ability to conduct unbiased audits.

Resource Constraints: The CAG might face limitations in terms of staffing, technology, and financial resources, which can impact the depth and frequency of audits.

The CAG remains a vital institution for upholding financial accountability and transparency within the Indian government. Its role in raising awareness about financial mismanagement and suggesting improvements contributes to the overall governance framework of the country. Efforts are continually being made to enhance its effectiveness and address these limitations.

Discuss the limitations of CAG as an Institution.