One of the first principles that students of auditing are taught is that auditors are watchdogs and not bloodhounds. The Manmohan Singh government would have us believe, in the wake of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India’s reports first in the 2G case and now in the coal mining issue, that this basic principle is being violated by the incumbent CAG. Why should the CAG comment on the adequacy or otherwise of government processes, Ministers ask. Isn’t this overreach? The reason these concerns are misplaced is that unlike private companies that have internal auditors who keep an eye on systems and processes, the government has none. And given the blatant rent-seeking behaviour of politicians who are de facto custodians of the country’s natural resources, be it spectrum or coal, the CAG has the responsibility of playing whistle-blower. Yes, the mind-blowing numbers it has come up with in the 2G case and now in the coal mine allocation issue as loss suffered by the exchequer are only presumptive. But the reserve price the Union Cabinet itself fixed recently for the sale of spectrum has validated the logic underlying the CAG’s numbers. Far from being pilloried, the CAG’s auditors deserve to be congratulated for their professionalism and integrity.
It is clear from the reports that we need a fair and objective system for allocation of scarce natural resources that will also generate optimal value for the exchequer. The auction method, already mandated by the Supreme Court in its 2G judgment for allocation, has also been incorporated into the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act. This is a fair method provided the auction process is well designed and transparent. There are those, including some policymakers, who objected to the method when the Supreme Court recommended it. But the fact is that when a valuable resource is scarce, those in authority invariably attempt to extract a rent from it by virtue of their control over its allocation. Auctions are the best way to neutralise this danger. The three CAG reports that were tabled in the Rajya Sabha on Friday are bound to raise a storm especially because the Coal Ministry was under the Prime Minister’s direct control when some of the allocations were made. A large part of the sting may have been taken out given that the coal findings were leaked a few months ago but the fact is that the report ensures corruption will continue to remain at the top of political discourse in the weeks and months ahead. As their skills are put to the test inside and outside Parliament, the government’s crisis managers should resist the temptation to shoot the watchdog. Any attempt to do so will only backfire on them.
Keywords: coal mining issue, 2G case, Comptroller and Auditor General
The govt should not make comments to disgrace the face of democractic insititutions. Instead it can try to prove out its non-logical claim that there were no losses. This govt is firefighting at its best and learning at the worst pace (incorporated into the Mines and Minerals act).As aptly pointed out, every rational man will accept auctions are the effective way to get the best out of scarce-natural resources.Simple question, why the govt is not following this and all other talks are beating around bush. Also the opposition parties must hold more responsibility instead of trying to shatter govt face/make mileage from every possible moment. I feel pity for all the Indian people who will incur the losses in the name of TAX in some form. Its resource mismanagement that hurts the most rather than no resources at all.
Bring in online auction, followed by a technical verification, much of the fallacy would no longer remain and the truth would be out in the open for everyone to see.
Seeing it from a different perspective, it is the collective failure
on the part of the opposition parties , in waiting for the CAG or the
News media channels to un earth the scams. I am sure, the parties
would be well aware of this, they are only timing it for the upcoming
elections.
This is not in support of the government, but why raise the issue at a
much later date- any simple logic would indicate the 1.86 lakh crores
could not have been accumulated in months.
For raising a din,disrupting the proceedings and staging a walk out,
we do not need elected representatives for this. The citizens looks up
to something more from the opposition parties.
The enigma of Indian opposition parties , is lack of unity, even
probability theory may not be able to predict the swing of decision
making and support
It is in these type of situations that media plays a key role. Instead
of giving importance to the statements made by politicians against the
CAG, they should try to justify the audit done by CAG by pounding the
politicians with uncomfortable questions regarding the process followed
by the Government in the allocation of coal blocks.
Editorial is surely Brilliant . However it's title doesn't go with the matter. The writer accuses CAG Vinod Rai for Overreach who is also the UN External Auditors Chairman . This is so unreal. This is one of the most corrupt government in the history of India and we need people like Mr. Vinod Rai who show true professionalism in their duty and are fearless.
Congratulation and our best wishes to CAG team/ group who has done the duty of real auditor side by side it is more appropriate they are the real inside watch dog of our country Great salute to all of u the team.
though i agree with the content of the article i differ with its first statement. the sentence is not applicable for audits of PSU where there is more focus on Propriety element and current CAG of India has rightly perfomed his duties(perhaps earlier CAG's didnt perform theirs). The Comptroller and Audit General's(Duties, Powers, and Conditions of Services)Act, 1971 defines the scope of PSU audits and as per that audit of public enterprises in India is not restricted to Financial and Compliance audit; it extends to efficiency, economy, and effectiveness with which these operate and fulfill their objectives and goals towards public interest. Another aspect of audit relates to questions of propriety.
Whatever duties Mr Rai has performed are as per the legal responsibilites, and thats why all those shouting political goons can not object his work stating CAG is overstapping his area of work
Hindu, you are wrong again when you say there is none to watch over the
Govt. What about the Parliament? The PAC? Fourth Estate? Pressure
Groups? And ultimately the people of this country? The sad part is that
very few of the above list are actually performing their bounden duties-
hence this state! By writing an editorial truthfully-you would have done
your duty. Has this happened? Sadly the answer is No! Do not look at the
Executive alone-every cog in the wheel has to be held responsible.
In Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act, there is a provision that Directors of cooperative institutions should execute a bond on form M-20 declaring that they will be responsible for '' losses attributable to their negiligence jointly and severally'' within 45 days of assuming office. Else, they will be supposed to have demitted office. Why can we not have a similar provision for the Parliamentarians who assume office as Ministers?
Had Govt demonstrated its will to fight corruption by declaring tha
names of Swiss A/c holders, General public would have believed the Govt
at least now. But the Govt failed miscerably.
All this is occuring because the politicians and top bureaucrats
have an óne point agenda's looting the tax payers money. They
are not satisfied with the huge pay and perks followed by a
pension for a dimunative service of 5 years. There is basically
something wrong with our democracy. It is plain and simple
'ÇHOROCRACY' ( a new word coined by me for what we are
witnessing). The day is not far off when the UPA will try to gt rid
of the appointment of a CAG.
From a few of the comments, one could discern that some don't like the watch dog to bite but just to bark ! Some even question whether the CAG ever had a word of appreciation for anything good done by the government. CAG is there not for applauding but to look into omissions and commissions of the government in handling the tax payers' money. While the comments are many faceted, the silver lining is that by and large there is welcome to the CAG's role as in the case of the Courts.This augurs well and gives one hope that all is not lost as yet and cherished values will bounce back before long.
The CAG needs to be given some teeth to make it a blood hound from just a whistle blower. Unfortunately, the politicians with their thick hides ignore the whistle blower. Once the CAG bloodhound starts biting the politicians in their butt, will they understand not to throw away the country's precious resources to fill their own pockets.
A sort of fatigue seems to have descended on some when they come down heavily on the presumptive loss theory partly because of the inevitable redundancy of the story necessitated as a normal course of audit and partly perhaps because of the notion that any other govt. would have behaved in the same manner.Some have argued that a welfare State need not be too alive to the profit/loss to the exchequer.Those who accuse the CAG of overreach would do well to read again the HINDU editorial line: But the reserve price the Union Cabinet itself fixed has validated the logic underlying the CAG's numbers.As regards welfare State argument that would admit even of loss to Govt. if it is in the real interest of the poor,provided it is ensured that the loss to Govt. is not a gain to a private player.If it is the latter then the needle would point to nepotism.At this rate of non-tolerence of audit,we may have to face not presumptive but permanent loss to the nation.
I wish to bring to the notice of The Hindu editorial .somewhere in early
eaighties ,if memory is correct ,there was an open page written by an
ex .army officer regarding the Jeep scandal of V.K.Krishna menon period
.The heading was " Is Audit infalliable? .I want to repeat IS CAG is
infalliable . WE have history where CAG becoming governor . When it is
clearly told After retirement they should not seek any office in govt.
IS CAG infalliable ????
Saying that losses are only "presumptive" has become fashion to all poilticians and media. But what do they expect from CAG?? After the loot or murder is over, send police to the crime spot after the culprits run away?? Then Police also should be asked to wait till the offence is committed even if they see intentions of the criminal in advance.
If the country's auditor starts blowing the whistle on the basis of presumptive losses to the public exchequer , without considering the underlying principles of a welfare state like that of ours, it is not going to help matters.
Is there any CAG body in the world which has not cricticised the ruling government in any of its reports? CAG is meant for that - govt criciticising the body is regrettable; but that doesnt mean the body can simply put a presumptive loss figure to sensationalise issues.
Most of these losses are potrayed by media as scams- I think its not abt individual getting benefit here; its more of lack of policy making and real governance. Opposition and state governments have a say in govt policy-making; so why shud only the govt be cricticised here? What was responsible oppn parties like BJP, CPM doing all the while when these coal blocks or 2G were allocated? Why did they have to wait until this report - if these resources had to be allocated on a competitive bidding process, the oppn should have made hue and cry at that time; not after so many years of awarding it.
I don't see these as scams - these are years of neglect of governance by so many governments that is imploding at present.
The main point of note in this editorial is "Yes, the mind-blowing numbers it has come up with
in the 2G case and now in the coal mine allocation issue as loss suffered by the exchequer
are only presumptive." Presumptive loss is not a real loss. The mind-blowing numbers
means highly exaggerated numbers. CAG is creating sensation, not real understanding of
the problem. Coal is only a small part of India's economy. How can a loss in sale of coal be
bigger than India's economy. The most important thing is that we (CAG, editors, readers)
become a little more literate in economics.
I'm disappointed that in all the 22 comments listed above, there is'nt
a single one that disagrees with this editorial. The Hindu, in my view
is betraying the nation. Let me tell you why. As the fourth pillar of
a democracy, you have a right to say what you wish to but along with
that right comes a responsibility that you are accurate and balanced.
Now accuracy has to be only with respect to the constitution and being
balanced is that you should not be calling the Govt as lacking
integrity based on CAG report alone. Your statement that CAG has a
mandate to audit Govt Policy is factually wrong. Its constitutionally
mandated only to assess implementation of policies and not audit Govt
policy. The power to audit Govt policy is only with the Parliament and
nobody else. Under these circumstances, why is only the Govt being
blamed? What happened to the Parliament? Every Govt since 1947 has
done the same. Undoubtedly we need to change, but mind you,You have a
responsibility to tell the truth!
The scarcity of coal and gap in demand and supply projection in 10th five year plan was 55 million tonnes. 405MT 460 Mt. the Electricity bill 2001 has empowered the industry to run Captive Power Plant, and generate up to 200% of the requirement and sell it off. The auction was done after obtaining the NOC from Coal India Limited. The disciplinary action against its Chairman for giving NO Objection Certificates for pecuniary benefits had never comes to a logical conclusion. Because of this it have accumulated rupees 54 thousand carore as surplus. Coal India Limited in haste to giving NOC for its allocated blocks, stop investing in existing or new project. The Natural resources and to turn them in profit making tools is an absurd logic for a welfare state. If it is to be applied than all irrigation schemes, Hand Pumps, and even breathing shall be taxed upon. Computing for lost opportunities is good for accounting in a business house but not for a constitutionally welfare state.
Thanks to the Hindu Editorial board for printing a thought provoking
editorial on Coalgate Vs the CAG report.If the UPA partners do not
respect CAG,CVC,EC etc now,there is every likelihood that given one more
chance to rule,they will be emboldened to call judgements pronounced by
the highest courts against any miss governance unhonored.
If every natural resources like spectrum, coil, minerals, etc. are to be
auctioned, why the water is left behind. let this scare natural
resource be also auctioned. Why CAG did not raise any objection with
regard to its misuse and come out with presumptive loss to the states or
centre.
CAG is a constitutional organ and entrusted to audit the expenditure of exchequer & observe the remedial measures for shortcomings. Remark of union minister on functioning of the CAG are disgraceful & unwarranted. In fact it reflects the admission of guilt.CAG has performed its mandate with letter & spirit. It is unaffected by uttarance of UPA's shouting brigade. CWG, 2G spectrum & now coalgate are merely tip of the iceberg. Much wil be revelaed in days to come. But thick skined UPA is unaffected and unpurturbed over the development. It is taking all torpedo with smile on face. It is righly said Mera desh mahhan, hum sam beimaan.
While acting as a whistle blower, the country's auditor should also give due credit for the social and economical impacts of the government policy in his performance audit.The telcom policy of the government in the last decade has contributed to the tremandous growth of the sector and economy as a whole, while maintaining the tariff rates at one of the cheapest levels in the world.No telcom service provider has made any wind fall gain in the last 3/4 years as is evident from their annual financial reports. The benefits of the low price of the 2g spectrum is reflected in the cheap call rates,beig enjoyed by the consumers. By highligting exaggerated figures of presumptive loss , without considering the benefits to the society, the CAG report has eclipsed the real performance of the sector.Ofcourse the corrupt politicians/bureaucrats should be brought to book instead of changing the policy itself.
CAG reporting on both 2G and now on coal allocation seem flawed. Maybe the new reserve price set in 2G and as recommended by CAG is now been adhered to , there are juts no takers at this price. I think the policy governing the 2g and coal allocation is meeting the social objective which is making these resouces at affordable price. This social end has been missed out by CAG and therefore has ignored the Govt policy. Unlike 2g the coal cannot be auctioned as coal prices will depend on steel, and other products.
The government should always be for more revenue to public expenditure for the economic uplift of the poor.CAG is the mirror of public accounts and its reports are for corrections.The Government had the practice of ignoring the reports putting forth its argument of welfare of the state Most of them were related to expenditure of the government in the past.Under liberalized economy to integrate with the global economy Government started selling our rare natural resources, assets to be sold for income.CAG has shown the face for cleaning it They are for the public and not the political parties alone for the cause of the poor. The parties misuse the power under the guise of policy for their intentions sacrificing natural resources, wealth of the nation, start blaming the mirror CAG or even try to break it.The political parties in power should make self introspection for corrections.People are aware who is culprit.Do not blame the system.Say thanks to CAG and act.Be it 2G or Coalgate
Thanks to the 'Hindu' for the thought-provoking Article' on the Government's
insensiivity to the various scams which are coming to light one after the other in
quick succession sending shock-waves to the entire nation. And for this startling
revelation "the CAG deserves to be congratulated for their professionalism and
integrity' as the editorial rightly observes. Instead of mending their ways the
Ministers seem to continue to maintain their aggressive posture with no sign of
relent on their part. By now it should be abundantly clear to everyone that the
Government's kitty of scams is almost full from which it will be a Himalayan task to
extricate themselves. In this context the editor's sane advice to the crisis
managers to resist the temptation to shoot at the watchdog and any attempt to do
so will backfire on them deserves be taken in the right spirit.
Watchdog at homes bites only the strangers or those who try to harm his
masters. CAG is the constitutional watchdog of India's exchequer and
will bite all those who try to harm his master, our country India and
its sovereignty. Thanks to the farsightedness of the makers of
constitution who made the post of CAG independent, so that he can
discharge is duty honestly without any political pressure.
Frankly, "A watchdog that bites" is a superb editorial lucid enough to make even a layman understand the underlying reasons which have forced the CAG to come up with adverse reports on the obviously erroneous method chosen by the government for the allocation of rare natural resources like 2G spectrum and coal mines. As rightly pointed out in the editorial, the government's attempt to find fault with the CAG under the plea that the reported huge monetary loss caused to the exchequer is only presumptive, doesn't carry weight, as it has now opted to fix the reserve price for the sale of spectrum.
In a country as deeply mired in corruption and lack of probity in
public life as India, despite (or because of?) the very many highly
educated (often in the best universities of the world) leaders with
professional qual. & exp., it will take long years of sustained effort
to bring about a modicum of change. That makes starting the task more,
not less, urgent, if only to minimise the unavoidable suffering of the
children/grandchildren.
In this soul searching, no political party with responsibility for
governance can claim to be 'blame free'. However, as matters spun out
of control in the past 20 years or so, those parties who ruled for the
longest time during this period have perpetrated the most miseries for
the longest time, and are the most culpable of betraying people's
trust, harming the country & its peoples.
In such dire times, the role of The Hindu has been patriotic &
exemplary, particularly as the other media seem to have lost all
journalistic integrity & sold their soul.
At this time let me refer to the revelation of Comptroller & Auditor
General of India, Vinod Rai, a couple of months’ back prior to the
release of Report on Coal scam, that CAG has no constitutional mandate
to appraise over 50 per cent of the money spent by the government . In
fact he had pointed fingers to the inordinate delay in the cabinet
approval for the draft amendment of CAG’s Duties, Power and Conditions
of service Act, 1971 put forth by him in November 2009. An amendment
is inevitable without which of Public Private Partnerships, Panchayath
Raj Institutions, Self Help Groups will not fall under the scan of
CAG.
It is unimaginable that UPA leadership will assent to relinquish
power, knowing it as an inevitable democratic necessity!
Kudos to the CAG and his team.
The Editorial has given a sage advice to the power centres , the way to wriggle out of this issue and that is to keep quiet and not to talk grammar criticising CAG on this issue. CAG effect is spreading to other countries as well, like the famous Kolaveri song. An oil rich country in Africa is sending chill down the spine of all oil companies by threatening to send AG to scrutinise their accounts dating back from 2004.When I shared the indian scenario of amounts running into billions of dollars, they are heaving a sigh of relief on their position.There is a famous saying in tamil, that when big people commit mistake, it is like the God committing a sin. MMS will go down in the history books as a leader who presided over a mammaoth corrupt government but who was always portrayed like a Gandhi's grandson. Even Gandhi was not free from flaws , what to talk of our poor PM?
At last a very responsible article, not condemning the work of the CAG which has become the order of the day, makes us feel proud of these work horses.
At least now, people who ridiculed Team Anna and expected the Govt to deliver a powerful law to combat corruption should get their stand corrected and support for his noble cause. Why would the UPA and the "honest" PM want their activities probed by a independent body with integrity. At the max, they will say we are ready for a CBI probe and we all know the commitment of CBI in prosecuting their bosses.
Indian democracy continues to thrive because of few such institutions.
Dear Mr.Editor,
Your editorial, which I was looking forward to, and all the comments speak the truth.
Let me introduce myself, with modesty. A government auditor, who served in
different stations and fields like the Railways, Defence etc. for 35 years, I retired as
Addl Dy CAG and know the innards of that august institution.
Thank you for saying, 'Far from being pilloried, the CAG’s auditors deserve to be
congratulated for their professionalism and integrity.'. As Mr.Vinod Rai acknowledges
handsomely, it is our teamwork, dedicated digging for the truth, ruthless logic and
presenting the response, that matters. I had long held that the CAG is no mere
servant of the Parliament, but is the servant of the people. A time has come for his
directly reporting to the people.
Why is that the Governments, Union and the States, unashamedly lay the Audit
Reports, just before the Parliament adjourns sine die? They wish to defy the
Constitution of India. What else?
The editorial opinion is crisp and to the point. Taking refuge in
the name of 'policy' decisions that are supposed to be judgmental
at the time of taking such decisions in the overall interest of
the nation and therefore cannot be faulted, such as being
flaunted by the government spokesmen is diabolic. Despite the
recommendation to auction the coal blocks, the deliberate and
willful procrastination for over 7 years to pass a bill or amend
the allotment procedures and the blatant manner in which the coal
blocks were doled out to the corporate sectors with further
concessions at the cost of the national exchequer are evil
'policies' designed to loot the country and not for the benefit
of providing energy at low cost as made out by the coal minister
Jaiswal. Such evil 'policies' by the ministry need to be censured
and the head of the ministry brought to books, in this instance
the PM.
If CAG does not bring these scams out, then who will?
The political bosses may criticise CAG stating that the office is over-
reaching its limit. When the politicians over-reach ambitiously to loot
the natural resources and indulge in corruption in astronomic
proportions, the WATCH-DOG AND THE WHISTLE-BLOWER CAG had to become VERY
RESPONSIBLE and it may be BLOODHOUNDS in the eyes of the political
bosses. CAG.. NEVER MIND.. GO AHEAD.. DO YOUR PATRIOTIC DUTY WITHOUT
FEAR OR FAVOUR. ATLEAST LET THE SCAMSTERS AND LOOTERS BE EXPOSED.
The days of vouching and signing-off the arithmatical accuracy of the books are long past. The Minsters of the Government of India would prefer such an audit as it will bring no inaccuracies or incompetency to the public forum. A public limited company undergoes social audit, environmental audit, human relations audit over and above the audit of financial dealings. Why should the Government audit be any different? The CAG and his team should be congratulated for being vigilant and auditing the Government with a lateral bent of mind.
I take it as the saddest day of our independent India even as we ecelebrated the 66th birthday a week back. Even The Economist writing two weeks back on coruption in India with a caption “In Vinod we trust” concluded with reiterating the importance of instituons like the CAG. Can The Hindu name a country in the democratic world which denigrates its national auditor whose ministers damn him personllay as one vitiating the atmosphere. The last straw on the camel has been this development. Plainly, the people are angered. The least the govt. should do is to heed the advice of our President who reiterated the importance of instituions. CAG is one such. .
I am happy that The Hindu has editorially opined on the way govt. is
behaving towards the CAG. I must recall that some years back,
addressing the Accountants General of India in an annual conference at
Pune, the then Prime Minsiter shockingly told the assembled auditors
that they were looked upon as bloodhounds rather than as watchdogs.
The reference was hurtful to the audience; much worse, it came from
the CEO of the nation. A minsiter of UPAI –now a cabinet one -giving a
full page intereview to a newspaper referred to institutions like CAG,
CBI and Vigilance as hindrances to civil servants taking decisions. He
wrongfully painted these institutions as ‘red rags’ for bureuacrats.
What a pity that the elected minsiters were distorting the role of
august instituions. Now UPA II has outdone all these. The verbal
outpourings of UPA’s minsiters in the last few days on CAG do little
credit to the governance ethics of the Indian government. I take it as
the saddest day of our independent In
The central question raised by the government is whether the CAG can question policies of the government, or only implementation of policies. In the 2G case, the decision to award spectrum in a certain way was part of policy. However there indeed was rent seeking, allegedly, in implementing the policy. The CAG is not right in questioning that policy or its rationale, while drawing attention to faults in allocation of spectrum in certain years. In the coal allotment report as well the CAG seeks to question policy. If the CAG is to be allowed a run in the manner that this editorial suggests, of all policies of the government, it raises serious issues of where the auditor's role begins and ends and of the role of parliament. I am afraid the current CAG has got it all wrong but unfortunately he has on his side a coalition of assorted malcontents, who are articulate and loud, and are able to hog the limelight consistently.
You are right in emphasizing the important role of CAG. If CAG’s audit observations have to make a positive impact and ensure that there is greater transparency in government business deals or other transactions, we should have a system of follow-up so that public would know what has been achieved by the CAG’s audit observations say after a few years post the events which. For example, citizens do not know what progress has been made to punish the guilty in case of so many past frauds which have been brought to light by CAG or any other authority. As then accountability of both officials and the ministers is almost zero, the culprits get away easily.
Nicely written, thanks. You are right, when you say that "when a
valuable resource is scarce, those in authority invariably attempt to
extract a rent from it by virtue of their control over its
allocation." Today one does not need to be an 'owner' of resources
especially when it comes to the public institutions, NGOs, societies,
trusts, etc., to get profit, but the very control one has on them can
benefit him or her a lot. Also, it is true, it will be foolish for our
government to accuse CAG in stead of working for a more transparent
systems. Auction may not be the best method - still there is a lot in
it, threat, intimidation, killing, to take control of the auction -
but it may be the only method we have now where at least some
transparency may be expected.
A very timely Editorial indeed!
The fact is that the Government is not willing to accept its defeat!
The Finance Ministry is fully aware of the functioning of CAG. CAG comprises of Senior Officers who are all fully educated in the field of Cost Accounting and Chartered Accountancy rules. Besides, most of them have been successful as Company Secretaries too. Politicians, however educated fall prey to Corruptions only to fill their pockets. They are not worried about the middle-class and lower middle-class people, who are all under constant pressures of work load and meeting deadlines for making payments towards Incometax. Only God should save the Country!Unless and until the Politicians are willing to co-operate with clear conscience and with utmost honesty and integrity, the Country is not going to see the light of the Day!
some of the GOVT,. spokeman speeches against CAG is regrettable!
and uncalled for.At this juncture your editorial is well written and welcome!we the public feel we have to strenghthen the office of CAG,by agumenting thier strenght of auditors since money spent from ex-chequre has multiplied and runs in trillions!hardly 5% of suchscams come out to parliment level, !many cases are just ignored because of time barred!!and many culprits escape!causing severe loss to the country!this should be stopped!some methodology for cuncurrent\perrennial audit system should be introduced to stop this rut!
The Editorial has given a sage advice to the power centres , the way to wriggle out of this issue and that is to keep quiet and not to talk grammar criticising CAG on this issue. CAG effect is spreading to other countries as well, like the famous Kolaveri song. An oil rich country in Africa is sending chill down the spine of all oil companies by threatening to send AG to scrutinise their accounts dating back from 2004.When I shared the indian scenario of amounts running into billions of dollars, they are heaving a sigh of relief on their position.There is a famous saying in tamil, that when big people commit mistake, it is like the God committing a sin. MMS will go down in the history books as a leader who presided over a mammaoth corrupt government but who was always portrayed like a Gandhi's grandson. Even Gandhi was not free from flaws , what to talk of our poor PM?
The point is 100 % valid,if every body/every thing taken in the right
sense and spirit.Why complete"presumptive loss"is termed as Scam?Why
concerned person should be judged as"guilty/not guilty"based on the
report.Is there any CAG report which has appreciated any government
scheme?or which has not find fault with the any government(be it sate
or center)?Then why the big noise now.It is only because of the big big
"Presumptive loss" numbers which highly misleading and used by
everybody for their will and wish.(Blocks allocated to CIL are not
shown by many media reports.Why?Is it not a loss?)These type of number
will come in fuel,fertilizer and various other schemes also.Whether
same type of reports will come there also? (Eg.Fuel price deregulation
was decided in 2003/4.now 9 years gone).Even if it comes whether
opposition will accept it and demand resignations.As welfare sate it is
the duty of government to spend the resource not to make profit(Whether
it is congress/BJP/any other).
Its really surprising that in a country like India, where there is so
much competition for even a clerical job,the projects costing lack-
crores are being allocated without any competition or auction.Its only a
type of corruption.We are proud of our CAG.Its really working as a real
custodian of public purse.Instead of criticizing and pillorying such
laudable work,the Government should encourage the probity of CAG.
Another brilliant editorial.
Some additional key concepts: (i) all elected Representatives holding
policy making offices (eg Ministers) have a "stewardship role" towards
the country (ie they must discharge their duties in the best interests
of the nation, for current and unborn generations); (ii) Policy-
makers/Ministers also have a "fiduciary responsibility" towards the
nation, which requires them not only to avoid financial impropriety,
but also to be above any such suspicion, by eg voluntary disclosure of
any conflict of interest; (iii) all elected Representatives have an
obligation to discharge their duty commensurate with the public trust
placed in them, ie in the national, not personal interest; (iv) it is
common sense & basic prudence not to waste public assets, a
responsibility made more serious when the assets are "non-renewable"
(asset exhausted after use); (vi) beware of market distortions.
How can India join the top table with such glaring democratic &
governance deficits?
Please Email the Editor