Who is Sanjay Murthy, the newly appointed CAG of India?
Kundu Sanjay Murthy was sworn in as the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India on Thursday. The oath-taking ceremony was held at Rashtrapati Bhavan where President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to Murthy. He succeeds Girish Chandra Murmu, whose term ended on Wednesday. Before this appointment, he was Secretary in the Department of Higher Education in the Ministry of Education.
Murthy's appointment and responsibilities as CAG
Murthy's appointment was made by President Murmu under Clause (1) of Article 148 of the Indian Constitution. As CAG, he will be responsible for government audits and ensuring accountability in public finances. At his oath ceremony, Murthy pledged allegiance to the Constitution of India and vowed to uphold India's sovereignty and integrity with "all my sacrifice, knowledge, and wisdom."
Murthy's career in civil services and financial management
Murthy, a 1989-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre, has served in key positions in financial management and auditing during his career. His work with the Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IAAS) has been exemplary. As CAG, he will audit government expenditures and ensure transparency in the usage of public funds.
Murthy succeeds Girish Chandra Murmu as CAG
Murthy succeeds Girish Chandra Murmu, who started his term as CAG on August 8, 2020. Murmu's tenure was marked by improvements in auditing practices and modernization of the CAG's processes. Before becoming CAG, Murmu was the first Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir after it became a Union Territory. A finance ministry notification on November 18 confirmed Murthy's appointment as CAG from the date he assumes office.
