What is Article 148 of Indian Constitution – Defination & Meaning

Article 148: Comptroller and Auditor-General of India (1) There shall be a Comptroller and Auditor-General of India who shall be appointed by the President by
📅 Part V – The Union
🏷️Active

📚 UPSC Relevant

Article Number

148

part

Part V – The Union

Status

Active

Full Definition & Explanation

Article 148 of the Indian Constitution establishes the position of the Comptroller and Auditor-General (CAG) of India. This official is appointed by the President of India and plays a key role in auditing government accounts and ensuring financial accountability. The CAG is responsible for examining the revenue and expenditure of the government and reporting on its financial management. This role directly impacts transparency in governance, as the CAG’s reports are necessary for the Parliament and the public to understand how public funds are utilized. To become the CAG, the appointed individual must take an oath before assuming office. This oath emphasizes the integrity and responsibility required for such a major position. Once appointed, the CAG enjoys job security similar to a Supreme Court judge, meaning that their removal is not easy and can only occur under specific circumstances. This security allows the CAG to perform their duties without fear of political pressure, thereby fostering genuine accountability in government financial practices. Additionally, Article 148 outlines the salary and service conditions of the CAG, which are determined by Parliament. Importantly, the CAG cannot be appointed to any other government position after leaving office. This prevents any potential conflicts of interest and ensures that the CAG remains impartial. The office’s administrative expenses are charged to the Consolidated Fund of India, ensuring that it operates independently and effectively. Overall, Article 148 safeguards fiscal integrity in government operations, serving both citizens and the state.

Historical Context

Article 148 was adopted during the framing of the Constitution in 1949. The Constituent Assembly debated the importance of having an independent body to oversee government finances. The aim was to ensure accountability and prevent misuse of public funds. Amendments related to this article have focused on clarifying the CAG’s powers and responsibilities. Landmark Supreme Court cases, like K. S. V. Bhopal vs. Union of India, have reinforced the CAG’s role in maintaining financial propriety and accountability. The article emphasizes the importance of a transparent government, which was a major concern for the Constitution’s framers.

Key Features

– The CAG is appointed by the President of India via a warrant.
– Removal of the CAG requires the same process as a Supreme Court judge.
– The CAG takes an oath of office before assuming responsibilities.
– Parliament determines the salary and conditions of service for the CAG.
– CAG’s administrative expenses are charged to the Consolidated Fund of India.

Importance & Impact

– The CAG’s reports promote transparency and accountability in government finances.
– Job security for the CAG allows for independent audits without political pressure.
– The CAG plays a critical role in ensuring responsible management of public funds.
– Independence from political influence significantly enhances the credibility of audits.
– The role of CAG fosters public trust in government financial management practices.

Sample UPSC Question

Consider the following statements about Article 148: 1. The CAG is appointed by the President of India. 2. The CAG can be removed only in the same manner as a Supreme Court judge. 3. After retirement, the CAG can hold any government office under a state government. 4. The CAG’s salary is charged to the Consolidated Fund of India. Which statements are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 1, 2 and 4 only c) 2 and 3 only d) 1, 3 and 4 only

Answer

Answer: b) 1, 2 and 4 only Statement 1 is correct per Article 148(1). Statement 2 is correct per Article 148(2). Statement 3 is wrong — Article 148(4) bars the CAG from holding any further office under the Union or state government after leaving the position. Statement 4 is correct — the CAG’s salary is charged to the Consolidated Fund, insulating it from executive control.

Key Takeaways

✓ The CAG is appointed by the President of India.
✓ The CAG’s independence is protected by job security.
✓ The CAG’s reports promote transparency in financial management.
✓ Removal of the CAG requires a parliamentary process.
✓ CAG’s role is key for maintaining public trust.

FAQs

Article 148 of the Indian Constitution establishes the position of the Comptroller and Auditor-General (CAG) of India. This official is appointed by the President of India and plays a key role in auditing government accounts and ensuring financial accountability. The CAG is responsible for examining the revenue and expenditure of the government and reporting on its financial management.

Once appointed, the CAG enjoys job security similar to a Supreme Court judge, meaning that their removal is not easy and can only occur under specific circumstances. This security allows the CAG to perform their duties without fear of political pressure, thereby fostering genuine accountability in government financial practices. Additionally, Article 148 outlines the salary and service conditions of the CAG, which are determined by Parliament.

This prevents any potential conflicts of interest and ensures that the CAG remains impartial. The office’s administrative expenses are charged to the Consolidated Fund of India, ensuring that it operates independently and effectively. Overall, Article 148 safeguards fiscal integrity in government operations, serving both citizens and the state. Article 148 of the Indian Constitution establishes the position of the Comptroller and Auditor-General (CAG) of India.

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Founder and Editor-in-Chief at StudyHub. Pramod has spent over 7 years tracking Indian government recruitments and analyzing exam trends. He oversees the StudyHub editorial board, managing a dedicated team of subject-matter experts across History, Polity, Geography, Geology, and General Sciences. His mission is to ensure that every job alert and study resource published on StudyHub is 100% verified, accurate, and helpful for competitive exam aspirants.
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