India’s national auditor has said the government should not expect it to be a cheerleader for all of its actions. Comptroller & Auditor General Vinod Rai took the opportunity of addressing his senior officers on Monday to say “we cannot don the role of cheerleaders. We strive to provide objective feedback on the functioning of the various departments of the government”.

Rai also came down heavily on what he claimed were attempts to influence the auditors saying this vitiated against global norms laid down by the United Nations.

The UN “recognises (CAG) can accomplish tasks objectively and effectively only if (it is) independent of the audited entity and protected against audit influence”.

The remarks are significant as Rai and his team has been under attack from the UPA government for a series of unflattering audit reports that has put it on the mat including those on telecom, coal, oil and gas in the past two years.

While making clear that his officers are conscious that many of the government’s actions cannot be measured solely in terms of money, as there are overriding social objectives in many cases which cannot be quantified, he says his reports have been fair.

The government has however claimed the auditor has exceeded his brief on several occasions questioning policy decisions that are the right of the government. It has gone to the Supreme Court on this issue. While the Court has held government has the sole right to decide on policy it has also said the CAG cannot just be a munimji (accountant). Commenting on the fact that many of these reports have fueled agitations against the government, Rai noted this was driven by the demand for accountability by a more informed citizenry.

“The increasing aspiration of citizens coupled with their increasing demand for better services from the government, the phenomenal expansion of media and the right to information available to the people demand a new accountability paradigm in our country. Today, all institutions including ours are in the public eye,” he said in his speech at the inaugural function of a three day Conference of Accountants General on the theme ‘Strengthening Professional Practices’. (Indian Express)