The Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) is a constitutional position in many countries, including India, and plays a vital role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility within the government. In the case of India, the C&AG’s tenure is governed by the Comptroller and Auditor General (Duties, Powers, and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971.

The correct answer to the question is option c) six, meaning that the tenure of the Comptroller and Auditor General is six years. Here’s a detailed explanation for why this answer is correct and why the other options are not:

c) Six – Correct Answer

The Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) of India is appointed for a fixed term of six years, as stipulated by the Comptroller and Auditor General (Duties, Powers, and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971. This Act provides for the terms and conditions of service, the duties and powers of the C&AG, and the manner of their appointment.

The six-year term is designed to ensure the independence and stability of the office of the C&AG. It allows the C&AG to carry out their duties without the fear of abrupt changes due to political or administrative considerations.

The Act also provides that the C&AG can resign from the office or be removed from the position by the President of India. This provision ensures accountability but is subject to specific conditions and processes outlined in the Act.

It is important to note that the tenure of the C&AG is not arbitrary but is determined by law, emphasizing the significance of this constitutional position in the financial governance of the country.

Now, let’s discuss why the other options are not correct:

a) Four – Not Correct

The option “four” is not the correct answer because, as per the Comptroller and Auditor General (Duties, Powers, and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971, the tenure of the C&AG of India is six years, not four. The Act explicitly specifies a six-year term to provide the C&AG with sufficient stability to carry out their duties independently and without undue political interference.

b) Five – Not Correct

The option “five” is also not the correct answer. The tenure of the C&AG of India is six years, not five. The Comptroller and Auditor General (Duties, Powers, and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971, clearly outlines the six-year term for the C&AG to ensure that they can fulfill their responsibilities effectively over a reasonable duration.

d) Seven – Not Correct

The option “seven” is not the correct answer either. The C&AG’s tenure in India is not seven years but six years, as specified by the Comptroller and Auditor General (Duties, Powers, and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971. This Act sets the duration of the C&AG’s term, and any extension or reduction of this tenure would require a legislative change.

In conclusion, the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) of India serves a fixed term of six years, as per the Comptroller and Auditor General (Duties, Powers, and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971.

This term is designed to provide the C&AG with the independence and stability necessary to carry out their crucial role in auditing and ensuring financial accountability within the government.

The Act outlines the specific conditions for appointment, removal, and resignation of the C&AG, underscoring the importance of this constitutional position in the financial governance of the country. The options of four, five, and seven years are not correct as they do not align with the legally mandated term of the C&AG in India.