Madurai Member of Parliament and CPI(M) leader S Venkatesan has urged President Droupadi Murmu to intervene in what he termed a “dangerous” and “unconstitutional” move by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India. In a letter written on Tuesday, June 3, the MP flagged a tender issued on May 27 by the CAG inviting private Chartered Accountant (CA) firms to assist in auditing government-run public sector undertakings (PSUs) and local bodies.
Venkatesan expressed concern that outsourcing audits to private entities could dilute the autonomy of the CAG, a constitutional authority tasked with safeguarding the nation’s financial integrity. “The CAG and its audit department are the guardians of the financial interests of the Indian people. For the CAG himself/herself to invite private parties goes against the principles of the Constitution,” he wrote.
He also raised the risk of confidential government data falling into private hands. “There is the danger that confidential and sensitive information held by these institutions may fall into private hands,” he noted in the letter.
Established under Article 148 of the Indian Constitution, the CAG plays a critical role in ensuring accountability in government finances. Venkatesan cited BR Ambedkar’s vision of the CAG as an independent body, free from political and external influences, and said the current move runs counter to that ideal.
Calling the development a breach of constitutional ethics and public trust, Venkatesan urged the President to advise the CAG to immediately withdraw the tender.
“Only when the distinct and independent nature of this department is protected can public finances be safeguarded,” the MP said.