6th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Supreme Audit Institutions (SAI) Leaders’ Meeting

Tags: Summits

The 6th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Supreme Audit Institutions (SAI) Leaders' Meeting is being hosted by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India in Lucknow on 6 February.

An overview of the news

• It is being attended by delegations from eight member countries of the Organization as well as audit chiefs from India, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.

• Girish Chandra Murmu, Comptroller and Auditor General of India, will deliberate on the main theme of the meeting - 'Integrating Emerging Technologies in Audit'.

• Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandi Ben Patel will inaugurate the meeting.

• The delegates attending the meeting will share views on machine intelligence, cyber security and digital technology.

• India currently holds the presidency of the SCO, which rotates annually among the member states.

• India's 2023 theme is 'Towards a Secure SCO'.

Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG)

• CAG is the Constitutional Authority in India.

• It was established in accordance with Article 148 of the Constitution of India. 

• The Constitution of India provides for an independent office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG). 

• He is the head of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department.

• The CAG is the statutory auditor of Government-owned corporations.

• It enjoys the same status as the sitting judge of the Supreme Court.

• Appointment: Appointed by the President of India by a warrant under his hand and seal.

• Tenure: A period of six years or upto the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

Constitutional Provision

• Article 148: CAG, his appointment, oath and conditions of service are specified.

• Article 149: It deals with the duties and powers of the CAG.

• Article 150: The accounts of the Union and the States shall be maintained in such form as the President may, on the advice of the CAG, determine.