Actively considering to make CAG multi-member body: Govt

Battered by various CAG reports on alleged scams, government says it is "actively" considering a proposal to make the official auditor a multi-member body.

Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office V Narayanasamy says Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has become "more impatient" and he wants that all constitutional bodies to work within their parameters.

"It (making CAG a multi-member body) is under active consideration. The government is actively considering it," he said.

Narayanasamy was replying to a question about a suggestion by former Comptroller and Auditor General V K Shunglu that the post of CAG be made a multi-member body.

Shunglu suggested that "a three-member body would obtain greater transparency in its operation. One member should possess professional accounting qualifications, Chartered Accountant or its equivalent.

"This should not seem to exclude an Indian Audits and Accounts Service officer from the triumvirate, who has wide exposure to finance, audit and accounts and best international practices in these areas," Shunglu had said in a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Apparently referring to comments made by incumbent CAG Vinod Rai on various occasions, he said, "It is unfortunate (that) the constitutional body in this country is commenting on the government taking some decisions.

"Of late I have found, CAG is making remarks which are unwarranted. According to me, it is unwarranted and unnecessary. I think, nowadays he (Rai) has become more impatient. That is what I feel from my side.

"By saying this I am not criticising. I am telling that everybody in the government has to function within the parameters given to them," Narayanasamy said.

The minister said the mandate of the CAG is to consider whether the expenditures incurred by the various agencies of the government of India are done properly.

"In my opinion, the CAG is going beyond its mandate. It is my personal view. Not an official view. Every constitutional body, whether the CAG, CVC or the EC or even for the ministers, we have to work within the framework of the Constitution, under the rules framed by the government of India," Narayanasamy, who represents Puducherry constituency in Lok Sabha, said.

... contd.

ALSO READ

CBI chief says report on coal block 'clean and clear'

Unfazed by Opposition's demand, Cong backs Pawan Bansal and Ashwani Kumar

India, China border face-off ends, both sides agree to withdraw troops

Pawar to seek special package for state