Solved previous year question from the OPSC OAS/OCS 2024 Preliminary Examination (General Studies), with the official answer key and a detailed explanation.
Question
Consider the following statements with regard to the Comptroller Auditor General.
a) The office of CAG has been modelled on the basis of Advocate General under the Government of India Act, 1919.
b) CAG is the impartial head of the audit and account system of India.
c) CAG can be removed by the President on the grounds of ‘proven misbehaviour’.
d) The term of office of CAG shall be six years from the date on which he assumes office.
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Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: (C) b and d
Statement a — INCORRECT
The office of CAG was not modelled on the Advocate General. It was modelled on the Comptroller and Auditor General of the United Kingdom. The Advocate General is a legal officer of the state under Article 165, an entirely different constitutional position with no relevance to the CAG’s audit and accounts functions.
Statement b — CORRECT
The CAG is the supreme authority over the audit and accounts system of the Union and States, functioning independently of the executive. Articles 148–151 of the Constitution guarantee this independence, making the CAG the guardian of public finances and the watchdog of the consolidated funds.
Statement c — INCORRECT
The CAG can be removed by the President on grounds of proved misbehaviour OR incapacity — both grounds are required to be mentioned. The statement mentions only "proven misbehaviour", omitting incapacity. Additionally, removal requires an address by both Houses of Parliament with special majority, identical to the procedure for removing a Supreme Court judge under Article 124(4).
Statement d — CORRECT
The CAG holds office for six years from the date of assuming office or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier. After retirement, the CAG is ineligible for further office under the Union or State governments, ensuring post-retirement independence.
