UPSC Prelims 2012 · GS Paper I
Question 51: Polity and Governance
In India, other than ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and for intended purpose, what is the importance of the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)?
- 1.CAG exercises exchequer control on behalf of the Parliament when the President of India declares national emergency/financial emergency.
- 2.CAG reports on the execution of projects or programmes by the ministries are discussed by the Public Accounts Committee.
- 3.Information from CAG reports can be used by investigating agencies to press charges against those who have violated the law while managing public finances.
- 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?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).
The CAG audits government accounts, and his reports on projects and programmes are examined by Parliament's Public Accounts Committee. Findings in his reports can also help investigating agencies build cases against those who violate the law in managing public funds. He does not exercise exchequer control only during emergencies; he does so at all times. He has no judicial powers to prosecute: he is an audit authority, not a court.
- 1. Exchequer control is exercised at all times, not only during emergencies.
- 2. The Public Accounts Committee discusses CAG reports on projects and programmes.
- 3. CAG findings can be used by investigating agencies to press charges.
- 4. CAG has no judicial powers of prosecution.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is not correct, (a) and (d) go: each of them includes 1.
What you needed to know: Exchequer control is exercised at all times, not only during emergencies.
- Then, if you were sure statement 3 is correct, (b) goes: it leaves 3 out.
What you needed to know: CAG findings can be used by investigating agencies to press charges.
Only (c) is left. You didn’t need statements 2 or 4.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: it includes statements 1 and 4, which are false.
- (b) Incomplete: his findings can also help investigating agencies.
- (c) Correct: the PAC discusses his reports, and investigating agencies can use them.
- (d) Wrong: statements 1 and 4 are false.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2012, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.