Prez cautions against any state organ's bid to overreach

Amid a war of words between the government and the opposition over the recent Comptroller and Auditor General reports, President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday cautioned that attempts by any organ of the state to overreach will unnecessarily lead to dissonance within the system.

Inaugurating the 26th Conference of Accountants General, Mukherjee lauded the CAG for offering the helping hand to governments and local bodies in building up and enhancing skills in financial management.

He also expressed happiness that during the past years, CAG's audit has shifted from routine compliance audit to a more macro perspective.

"I must, however, stress that while redefining organisational roles and boundaries, all constitutional authorities need to adhere to the fine and calibrated system of checks and balances which forms the bedrock of our governance structures," Mukherjee said.

"Any attempt by any organ of the state to overreach will unnecessarily lead to dissonance within the system. It is, therefore, necessary that all constitutional authorities introspect on their respective roles," he said.

Addressing the gathering, Jagdambika Pal, chairman of the Committee on Public Undertakings, asked the CAG to refrain from commenting on policy decisions, which is the domain of the executive.

Pal, a Lok Sabha member of the Congress, said in discharge of its duties the CAG must respect certain boundaries.

Speaking on the occasion, Murli Manohar Joshi, chairman of the Public Accounts Committee rued the attacks on the CAG by high functionaries of the government.

Joshi asked the President to give his wise counsel to get this "dangerous attack" stopped.

Image: President Pranab Mukherjee