Emphasising on the need for greater accounatbility for good governance, Maharashtra governor K Shankarnarayanan on Tuesday said that the comptroller and auditor general (CAG) needs more powers and called for arming the CAG with enforceable mandate to improve public accountability.

Speaking at the 150th anniversary celebrations  of the institution of the CAG, the governor said, “Citizens are increasingly seeking greater assurances about the funds being spent in accordance with the objectives for which they are earmarked and hence there is a need to strengthen the institution of the CAG.”

Calling the central vigilance commission (CVC) and the central bureau of investigation (CBI) good institutions for public acountability Sankaranarayanan also said that unless there are good officers, legislatures, parliamentarians, and ministers, good governance can not be acheived.

“New legislations, if required should be brought to address the constraints faced by the CAG” the governor said.

Speaking to media on the sidelines of the event, chairman of public accounts committee, Dilip Walse-Patil reiterated the need for strengthening the role and powers  of CAG and said that laws should be amended to call retired public servants  for inquiry by public accounts committee whenever required.

Referring to Adarsh Society Scam, Patil said "Public accounts committee must have the right to conduct special audit  in cases where public and state interest is involved.”