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Polity & Governance2012
In India, other than ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and for the intended purposes, what is the importance of the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)?
  1. CAG exercises exchequer control on behalf of the
  2. CAG reports on the execution of projects or programmes
  3. Information from CAG reports can be used by
  4. While dealing with the audit and accounting of
government companies, CAG has certain judicial powers for prosecuting those who violate the law. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Explanation

The correct option is "2 and 3 only." Statement 2 is accurate as the CAG's reports on ministries are indeed discussed by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament, which plays a crucial role in ensuring accountability of the executive to the legislature. Statement 3 is also correct because the findings in CAG reports can serve as vital evidence for investigating agencies when pressing charges against individuals involved in financial mismanagement or irregularities.

However, Statement 1 is incorrect as the CAG does not exercise exchequer control on behalf of the Parliament during emergencies; that responsibility lies elsewhere. Statement 4 is also incorrect as the CAG does not possess judicial powers but functions as an auditing body, primarily evaluating and reporting on the financial operations of companies owned by the government without the authority to prosecute. Thus, the emphasis on accountability through CAG reports reflected in statements 2 and 3 aligns with its critical role in enhancing transparency and governance in India.

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