Understanding the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG)

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is a constitutional authority responsible for auditing all receipts and expenditure of the Government of India and the state governments, including autonomous bodies and corporations substantially financed by the government. The CAG is considered one of the guardians of the public purse and controls the entire financial system of the country at both the Union and the state levels.

Identifying the Present Comptroller and Auditor General

The question asks for the individual serving as the Comptroller and Auditor General of India at a specific point in time. Based on the options provided and the correct answer, we can determine the individual the question refers to as the "present" CAG within its context.

Analyzing the options:

• Rajiv Mehrishi: He served as the 13th Comptroller and Auditor General of India from 25 September 2017 to 7 August 2020.
• Amitabh Kant: He is a prominent bureaucrat but has not served as the CAG.
• Shashikanth Sharma: He served as the 12th Comptroller and Auditor General of India before Rajiv Mehrishi, from 23 May 2013 to 24 September 2017.
• Mukul Rohatgi: He is a senior advocate and has served as the Attorney General for India, not the CAG.

Given the provided correct answer, the question is posed in a context where Rajiv Mehrishi was the serving Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

Conclusion on the Present CAG

Based on the information and the provided correct option, Rajiv Mehrishi was the Comptroller and Auditor General of India referred to as "present" in this question.

Revision Table: Key Points about CAG of India

Additional Information: Role and Functions of CAG

The office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India is a crucial part of India's democratic system. Article 148 of the Constitution of India provides for an independent office of the CAG. The CAG audits the accounts and reports on the financial health and accountability of the government. Their reports are submitted to the President, who causes them to be laid before each House of Parliament. For state governments, the reports are submitted to the respective Governors, who cause them to be laid before the state legislature.

Key functions include:

• Auditing all expenditures from the Consolidated Fund of India and the Consolidated Fund of each state and Union Territory.
• Auditing all expenditures from the Contingency Fund of India and the Public Account of India, as well as the Contingency Fund and Public Account of each state.
• Auditing the receipts and expenditure of all bodies and authorities substantially financed from Union or state revenues.
• Auditing the accounts of government companies and certain other corporations as required by law.
• Advising the President on the form in which the accounts of the Union and the states shall be kept.

The CAG's role is vital in ensuring transparency and accountability in government spending and financial management.