Bring in new laws to strengthen CAG, says Maharashtra governor

MUMBAI - New laws should be brought in to address the constraints of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, which has been playing an important role in strengthening parliamentary democracy, Maharashtra Governor K. Sankaranarayanan said here Tuesday.

Speaking at the 150th anniversary celebrations of the institution, he said the citizens were seeking greater assurances on the issue of funds getting spent in accordance with the objectives for which these were earmarked.

Sankaranarayanan called for strengthening the institution of CAG with enforceable mandate. “New legislations, if required, should be brought in to address the constraints faced by the institution of CAG,” he said, adding that the CAG has played an important role in strengthening the principle of accountability.

The institution of CAG, earlier known as the Auditor General of India, had come into existence in 1860.

“CAG’s audit reports provide valuable feedback to governments and the executive on the status of the various welfare schemes and developmental activities. These findings have led governments to bring changes and strengthen the procedures for better implementation of welfare schemes from time to time,” Sankaranarayanan said.

Maharashtra Legislative Council Chairman Shivajirao Deshmukh, Legislative Assembly Speaker Dilip Walse-Patil and Principal Accountant General of Maharashtra Anita Pattanayak also addressed the gathering.