CAG eyes shift to live audits to curb fund misuse

India’s national auditor is preparing for a major shift in how public spending is examined—moving from delayed, retrospective scrutiny to real-time audits that track ministries and public sector undertakings (PSUs) while projects are still being executed, as per two people aware of the development.

- Dhirendra Kumar

The plan is set to be rolled out soon, they said.

The overhaul, led by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), is designed to flag tendering lapses, execution delays and potential losses early, allowing course correction while money is still being spent, rather than years later when the damage is done.