Former Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi took over as the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India today. President Ram Nath Kovind administered the oath of office and secrecy to Mr. Mehrishi (62) at a function in Rashtrapati Bhavan that was attended by Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi among other dignitaries.
Work Responsibility
Mr. Mehrishi has succeeded Shashi Kant Sharma. He will only have tenure of three years. The CAG is appointed for a term of six years or till the incumbent attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
As a constitutional functionary, the CAG is primarily entrusted with the responsibility of auditing the accounts of the Union government and of the State governments. CAG reports are laid before Parliament and legislatures of the States.
History
Born in Rajasthan in 1955, Mehrishi is an alumnus of St Xavier’s School, Jaipur. He did his Bachelors as well as Master’s degree in Arts from St Stephens College in Delhi. He also pursued Management in Business administration from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow (U.K.)
He is an IAS (Indian Administrative Services) officer of 1978 batch from Rajasthan Cadre. He served for both Union and State governments at top positions. Started his career as SDO of Ajmer, he gradually climbed the bureaucratic ladder and now became CAG. He also worked as Home Secretary for 2 years.
Mr. Mehrishi has also worked as the Economic Affairs Secretary & Chief Secretary of Rajasthan and Secretary in Departments of Chemicals and Fertilisers, and Overseas Indian Affairs.
Role with Rajasthan Government
As Mr. Rajiv has also worked as the Economic Affairs Secretary & Chief Secretary of Rajasthan so he helped a lot in growth of Rajasthan. During Vasundhara Raje Government, he helped in bringing key labour reforms in Rajasthan. He also contributed in better delivery of public services and subsidies. These all measures by Raje’s government were appreciated by the people and acquired the name ‘Rajasthan Model’.
