CAG rejects charge of preventing lead auditor from taking DoT

Against the backdrop that RP Singh, the then DG, Audit computed lower figures of loss, the CAG office sent a detailed reply to PAC

PTI | November 4, 2011



The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has rejected allegations that it had discouraged lead auditor R P Singh in his work on the 2G spectrum report and justified the quantum of presumptive loss of Rs 1.76 lakh crore as based on certain market indicators of spectrum value.

Against the backdrop of reports that Singh, the then DG, Audit (Post and Telecommunications) had computed lower figures of loss and that his figure of Rs 2,645 crore was overruled, the CAG office sent a detailed reply to Parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC), looking into the issue.

On the suggestion that Rai had discouraged Singh from seeking comments from DoT which he wanted to include in the final report, the CAG note said there was "no question" of preventing the DG, Audit from taking such a step.

"There is no question of CAG wanting to prevent DG (P and T) from obtaining comments from DoT. It is part of audit procedure to obtain response from the department and consider the same before finalising the report," it said.

The CAG said the draft report was issued to the DoT on July 19 by Singh and their response was received on July 27 and August 31, 2010.

On the reason behind the government auditor choosing to calculate presumptive loss at Rs 1.76 lakh crore based on 3G auction prices, the CAG said audit tries to work out loss in all such cases where documentary evidences suggest a possible loss or wastage.

Comments

 

Other News

Who checks the books?

I read about the news about the Coimbatore library over coffee this morning. On the face of it, the headline was about a political ‘war’ between the DMK and TVK. But what stayed with me was something much more important than the blame game behind what had transpired. A writer walking through

Development paradox: Falling poverty miracle and an inequality problem

India’s reduction in poverty over the past decade is a development achievement of considerable significance. The World Bank’s April 2026 ‘India Development Update’ estimates that the share of Indians living below the international extreme-poverty line of $3.00 per person per day i

In Arunachal, a river we call mother

In Arunachal Pradesh, the Siang is not just a river. For many of us, especially the Adi people, it is part of our family. Our grandparents fished in it. Children learned to swim in it. Our farms drink from it. When someone says a huge dam will be built on it, we do not hear the word "project".

A new retelling of the Mahabharata delves into key moments

In a time when every decision carries consequences and questions of ambition, power, loyalty, identity and moral choice continue to shape our lives, Dr. Arun Krishnan’s new book, ‘Mahakshana’ (Penguin India) offers a strikingly relevant retelling of the Mahabharata.  

Cabinet approves viability gap funding to develop grid-scale energy storage systems

The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, has approved the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme for Development of Grid-Scale Energy Storage Systems, with a total financial support of Rs.14,500 crore for the period FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31. The scheme aims to support the development o

Cabinet creates a pathway to absorb Agniveers in Defence Forces

An objective assessment in terms of organisational requirements and operational efficiency has brought out the outstanding performance of Agniveers in terms of skills, motivation levels, physical fitness and technological prowess. As envisaged earlier, based on merit, 25% of Agniveers will be offered reg

Upcoming Conferences



-->

Archives

Current Issue

Opinion

Facebook Twitter Google Plus Linkedin Subscribe Newsletter

Twitter