The primary function of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is to inspect all the government-funded expenditures of the central government, state government and organizations and submit reports. However, the effectiveness of the CAG reports in India is a matter of debate. Some people believe that they are very effective in exposing corruption and financial irregularities, and that they have helped to improve governance in India. Others argue that the CAG reports are often ignored by the government, and that they have not had a significant impact on reducing corruption. There is some evidence to support both sides of the argument. For example, in 2010, the CAG report on the 2G spectrum scam led to the resignation of several ministers and the cancellation of 2G licenses. However, many other CAG reports have not had such a significant impact.
Broadly speaking, those who are in favour of the effectiveness of the CAG reports claim that they have exposed a number of major corruption cases, such as the 2G spectrum scam and the coal mining scam. They also claim that the CAG reports have highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in government and that the reports have raised awareness of the issue of corruption among the public.
Meanwhile, those against the effectiveness of the CAG reports claim that they are often ignored by the government and that the CAG reports are not always accurate or impartial. Others claim that CAG reports can be used by politicians to target their opponents. It is also claimed that CAG reports can be too technical and difficult to understand for the average person.
Overall, the effectiveness of the CAG reports is a complex issue. There is some evidence to suggest that they can be effective in exposing corruption and improving governance, but they are not a panacea. Ultimately, the effectiveness of the CAG reports depends on a number of factors, including the political will to act on their findings, the media’s willingness to highlight them, and the public’s demand for accountability. The real test of their effectiveness will be whether they can lead to lasting change in the way that the government operates.