In recent past, CAG brought to light some instances of mega corruption. These reports indicted relevant central or state ministries of financial irregularities. Making administrative and financial irregularities public is what the incumbent government agencies like the least. If they could they would sack the CAG chief within no time. He is protected by the constitution. Therefore it is not easy to undermine his report or status. The media has given hype to these reports and the people in the country are becoming aware of enormous mismanagement of financial affairs of the state.
Civil society has sharply reacted to the critical reports of CAG, be it 2G scam or coal blocks scam. Embarrassment has been caused to the Government which finds its “clean man” image getting tarnished. The judiciary, too, has at times raised eyebrow on some of the glaring facts about corruption and financial irregularities All this combined to make the UPA Government sit back and think how to meet this new challenge to its secretive ways of dealing with any financial issues of public interest.
From official quarters, voices are heard questioning the jurisdiction of the CAG and alleged violation of its mandate. A former CAG Mr. Shunglu even wrote to the Prime Minister suggesting broadening the composition of the CAG to make it multi-member body. In a comment made to the media, Minister of State in Prime Minister’s Office V Narayanasamy said that the CAG was becoming “impatient”. This is an understatement made to express disapproval of the CAG reports. Congress General Secretary Digvijay Singh has even demanded a probe into the leakage of CAG reports indirectly suggesting that CAG itself might have made a deliberate leakage.
This complicates the situation. What is the precise jurisdiction of the CAG is what either the Parliament or the Supreme Court can decide. But bringing charges of outstripping its boundaries is a blatant attempt of maligning the agency that has come to being through constitutional provision. We did not have any problem with the jurisdiction of CAG for last six and a half decades. How did it suddenly crop up? Assuming that there are some aberrations, we need to adopt proper course to find a remedy. It will be reminded that when the government found that the then Chief Election Commissioner of India. Mr. Seshan meant to be pragmatic in discharging his official duties, the idea of multi-member CEC was floated and seen through. The experiment is being repeated in the case of CAG
The hard fact and human aspect of the controversy is that the CAG is expected to report whether the funds allocated by the ministries or departments have been properly expended. In case these are not, he is supposed to point out in some detail how and where expenditures have gone wrong. The presumption is that the CAG would like to be very careful and meticulous in examining the expenditures and drawing inference. But one cannot ignore human error. As such, what is needed is a workable mechanism that would clarify things and remove doubts and controversies. It is highly dangerous to dilute the authority of the CAG and bring accusations against him or bias and partiality. Why should a Government feel ill at ease if the CAG has pointed out an irregularity in the system? The CAG is not an organization that works against the interests of the nation. It is unfortunate that the Government should cast aspersions on its neutrality and concerns for the nation as a whole. The UPA Government should rein in elements that are engaged in a maligning campaign against the CAG. It is disservice to nation and undermining its interests. CAG’s report usually goes to the Parliament and the Parliament refers specific matters to PAC which examines the report and makes recommendations. This is all perfect and democratic process that need not be challenged. The Government should learn to listen to the faults and shortcomings bedevilling various departments of the administration. CAG’s strictures and observations have to be taken in the context of constructive approach to the developmental programmes. It a something like a road clearing machine that makes the road traffic-worthy.
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