GS2 2016 Q4 12 marks 200 words CAG Powers

UPSC Mains 2016 GS2 Q4 — CAG Powers

Exercise of CAG's powers in relation to the accounts of the Union and the States is derived from Article 149 of the Indian Constitution. Discuss whether audit of the Government's policy implementation could amount to overstepping its own (CAG) jurisdiction. (Answer in 200 words)

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Question Decoded — examiner's intent

Directive verbs
Discuss
Scope keywords
Article 149accounts of the Union and the Statesaudit of the Government's policy implementationoverstepping its own (CAG) jurisdiction
Implicit sub-parts
  • The constitutional and statutory mandate of CAG under Article 149 and the CAG Act 1971.
  • Difference between 'Regulatory Audit' (compliance) vs 'Propriety Audit' (wisdom/efficiency).
  • Justification for policy implementation audit as a means of ensuring executive accountability to the Legislature.
  • Arguments for why auditing policy merit (as opposed to implementation) may infringe on the separation of powers.
Common pitfalls
  • Focusing too much on Article 148 (appointment/tenure) instead of Article 149 (powers/duties).
  • Failing to distinguish between auditing the 'policy itself' (political choice) and the 'implementation of policy' (financial prudence).
  • Neglecting to mention the CAG (DPC) Act 1971 which provides the legal teeth to the constitutional provision.
  • Writing a generic essay on CAG's independence without addressing the 'overstepping' allegation specifically.
Dimensions required
ConstitutionalLegal/StatutoryAdministrative AccountabilityFederal/Institutional Relations
Marks allocation hint

Spend approximately 40-50 words defining the Article 149 mandate and the DPC Act. Devote the bulk (110-120 words) to the debate on propriety audit versus policy interference, using terms like 'value for money' and 'executive discretion'. Conclude with 30-40 words on the CAG as a facilitator of parliamentary oversight, balancing accountability with the need for administrative space.

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