Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)
General Economics Intermediateनियंत्रक एवं महालेखा परीक्षक
Definition
The CAG (Article 148) is the supreme audit authority of India that audits all receipts and expenditure of the Central and state governments. CAG reports are laid before Parliament and state legislatures. The CAG verifies that government spending was authorised by Parliament, was spent for the intended purpose, and was in accordance with financial rules.
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Why Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Matters
Understanding comptroller and auditor general (cag) is essential for anyone following government finances, preparing for competitive exams, or analysing India's economic policy. This concept directly affects how the government allocates resources and plans its fiscal strategy.
In the context of India's Union Budget 2026-27, with a total size of Rs 53.47 lakh crore, terms like comptroller and auditor general (cag) help citizens and analysts evaluate whether the government is on the right fiscal path. The numbers in the budget are only meaningful when one understands the underlying concepts.
For UPSC aspirants, comptroller and auditor general (cag) is frequently tested in both Prelims and Mains, particularly in Paper III (Economic Development). For CA and MBA students, this concept appears in public finance and macroeconomics courses.
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