Question

Consider the following statements about the CAG’s appointment and removal:

(i) The CAG is appointed by the President and can resign by submitting a letter to the Prime Minister.

(ii) The CAG can be removed by the President in the same manner as a Supreme Court judge.

(iii) The CAG’s salary is equivalent to that of a Supreme Court judge, as determined by the Parliament.

Which of the statement(s) is/are NOT TRUE?

• A. Only (i)
• B. Only (ii)
• C. Only (iii)
• D. None of these

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Only (i)

Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG)

• Constitutional Basis: Article 148 of the Indian Constitution provides for the office of the CAG.

• Appointment: The CAG is appointed by the President of India.

• Resignation: A CAG can resign by submitting a written resignation addressed to the President of India, not the Prime Minister. Statement (i) is incorrect because it mentions resignation to the Prime Minister.

• Removal: The CAG can be removed from office by the President only on the grounds of proved misbehaviour or incapacity. The procedure for removal is similar to that of a Supreme Court judge, requiring an address in Parliament passed by a special majority (two-thirds of the members present and voting, and a majority of the total membership of each House). Statement (ii) is correct.

• Tenure: The CAG holds office for a term of six years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

• Salary and Conditions of Service: The salary and other conditions of service of the CAG are determined by an Act of Parliament. The salary is equivalent to that of a Supreme Court judge. Statement (iii) is correct.

• Independence: The Constitution ensures the independence of the CAG by making its removal procedure difficult and by charging its salary on the Consolidated Fund of India, which is not subject to the vote of Parliament.

• Role of CAG: The CAG audits all receipts and expenditures of the Government of India and state governments, including those of bodies and authorities substantially financed by the government. It reports to the Parliament (on accounts of the Union) and to the State Legislature (on accounts of the States).