Rajiv Mahrishi sworn as CAG of India

Former Home SecretaryRajiv Mehrishi was sworn in as new Comptroller and Auditor-General (CAG) of India. He was administered oath of office and secrecy by President Ram Nath Kovind. He succeeded Shashi Kant Sharma.Rajiv MehrishiMr Mehrishi is 1978 batch IAS officer of Rajasthan cadre. He has worked for both Union and State governments at top positions and his bureaucratic career spanned more than 30 years. Before retirement from service, he had served as Home Secretary.In Centre, he has worked in ministries of Petroleum, Corporate Affairs, Overseas India Affairs, and Fertilisers. Besides he has also worked with President Secretariatand Cabinet Secretariat. In state government, he had worked in areas of agriculture, transport and most importantlyagain finance—both in capacity of Deputy Secretary and Principal Secretary of finance ministry. He was also Chief Secretary of Rajasthan.Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)CAG is constitutional office under article 148. He is appointed by President of India by warrant under his hand for period of 6 years or up to age of 65 years, whichever earlier. The conditions and services of CAGare prescribed by Parliament via CAG (conditions and services) Act, 1953 as amended in 1971. Allowances and pensions payable to or in respect of persons in that office are charged upon Consolidated Fund of India (CFI).Removal of CAG is similar to removal of a Supreme Court Judge. CAG is not eligible for any office under GOI post-retirement.Functions of CAGCAG suggests account keeping of union and state with approval of president. It exercises power in relation to account of union and state or any other enterprise funded by GOI as may be prescribed by law made by parliament. The CAG reports to president and governors regarding accounts of union and state respectively. The president presents report to parliament. In 1976, accounting was separated from auditing form CAG’s duty. Now accounting is done by other agencies.