Traditional mechanism of accountability are :

(a) CAG

(b) Public Accounts Committee

(c) Corruption - Controlling agencies like Central Vigilance Commission

(d) Social Audit

The correct answer is - (a), (b), and (c)

Key Points

• Traditional Mechanisms of Accountability
  • The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) is a constitutional authority responsible for auditing government accounts and ensuring financial accountability.
  • The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is a parliamentary committee that examines the reports of the CAG and ensures public expenditure is judicious and lawful.
  • Corruption-controlling agencies, such as the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), play a key role in maintaining accountability by investigating and addressing corruption-related grievances.
• Social Audit is not considered a traditional mechanism but rather a more modern and participatory approach to accountability. It involves the direct participation of citizens in scrutinizing public expenditures and schemes.

Additional Information

• Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)
  • CAG is established under Article 148 of the Indian Constitution.
  • It audits all receipts and expenditure of the Government of India and state governments, including those of bodies financed by the government.
• Public Accounts Committee (PAC)
  • The PAC is constituted every year by the Parliament and consists of members from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
  • The committee ensures that public funds are utilized for the intended purposes.
• Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)
  • Established in 1964, the CVC is an independent body that monitors vigilance activities under the central government.
  • It advises organizations on planning, executing, and reviewing their vigilance work.
• Social Audit
  • Social audits involve community participation to monitor and evaluate the implementation of public policies and programs.
  • It is an effective tool for ensuring transparency and accountability in government schemes, such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).