Who is K Sanjay Murthy, India’s new CAG? 5 points

Veteran bureaucrat K Sanjay Murthy, a 1989-batch IAS officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre, was sworn in as the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India on Thursday. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office in a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Murthy succeeds Girish Chandra Murmu, who completed his tenure as the CAG on Wednesday. His appointment to this prestigious constitutional post was announced by the Centre earlier this week.

The oath-taking ceremony, held at the Ganatantra Mandap of Rashtrapati Bhavan, was attended by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal, among other dignitaries.

All you need to know about K Sanjay Murthy

• Born in Andhra Pradesh, K Sanjay Murthy is an alumnus of a mechanical engineering program.

• His foray into public service began with his induction into the Indian Administrative Service in 1989, where he steadily climbed the ranks. "His academic foundation, combined with his unwavering dedication, laid the groundwork for a successful career in public administration," the official website of CAG described Murthy.

• Murthy brings to the CAG’s office a wealth of experience gained from his tenure in key administrative roles.

• Most notably, he served as higher education secretary from October 1, 2021, to November 20, 2024. “In this role, he played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's education policies and initiatives.”

• As the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Murthy is tasked with overseeing the nation’s audit system, ensuring transparency and accountability in public financial management.

What is the role of CAG?

Established under Article 148 of the Indian Constitution, the CAG is responsible for auditing the accounts of the central and state governments, including public sector enterprises and autonomous bodies. As the guardian of public finances, the CAG scrutinises expenditures to ensure that public funds are used efficiently and in accordance with the law. The reports prepared by the CAG are submitted to the President or Governors, who present them to the respective legislatures. These findings often form the basis for parliamentary discussions, enhancing oversight of government policies and actions.

The CAG also audits receipts, tax collections, and evaluates whether government programs achieve their intended objectives. In doing so, it serves as a critical check on fiscal management and governance.