The Narendra Modi government has followed the exact same opaque practice and procedures of the UPA government in the appointment of the new Comptroller and Auditor-General of India, says Common Cause.
The government appointed Rajiv Mehrishi, a 1978-batch IAS officer, as the CAG at August-end. He will take over from Shashi Kant Sharma by this month-end.
Common Cause, an organisation known for its democratic interventions on major policy issues, said it was “shocked” that the NDA government copied the discredited previous government in the appointment of the all-powerful CAG. “The Narendra Modi government, which claims to have zero tolerance for corruption, has missed a golden opportunity to set a high benchmark to fight systemic corruption by putting in place an objective and accountable system of appointment for the crucial constitutional post,” it said.
In a statement, the organisation pointed out that the criteria for selection of the CAG should include possession of the requisite professional knowledge and background, ability of an exceptional order and impeccable integrity. “This is essential for preserving the integrity and credibility of the institution of public audit.”
“By following in the footsteps of the UPA, the NDA government has lost an opportunity to create institutional criteria to make the selection process impartial and transparent in order to fight the systemic corruption,” the statement said.
It said the Prime Minister could have easily opted for an interim arrangement, similar to the framework that exists for the appointment to the NHRC, the CVC and the CIC.
