9.4.1. CAG can only bark but not bite

Due to lack of power of disallowance (as with the national auditor of the US and the UK), the CAG has only a recommendatory role to play. But it is not just a symbolic body, its reports create public awareness and put pressure on the Government to take action. It strengthens the Parliamentary control over Executive, which is the foundation of Parliamentary democracy.

When CAG asks for information from various departments, there is a considerable delay and there is no mechanism for CAG to enforce its fiat. It is suggested that the CAG Act of 1971 be amended to provide punitive powers to the CAG in case of delay in submitting information by Govt. agencies.