Summary
**What Happened**
The Winter Session of the Delhi Assembly commenced on Monday, January 5, 2026, with Lieutenant-Governor V.K. Saxena's speech. The four-day session, continuing until January 8, is expected to feature debates on the persistent air pollution crisis and the tabling of ==Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)== reports.
**Context & Background**
The session unfolds against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny of governance in Delhi. The CAG reports are expected to highlight alleged irregularities by the previous Aam Aadmi Party government, particularly concerning the renovation of former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's official residence, the functioning of the Delhi Jal Board, and government-run universities.
**Key Details & Facts**
The session will run from @@January 5 to January 8, 2026@@. Besides air pollution and CAG reports, a resolution on the authenticity of a 'phansi-ghar' inaugurated on Assembly premises is also likely to be presented. Speaker Vijender Gupta emphasized the significance of constructive engagement during the session.
**Implications & Impact**
The tabling of CAG reports could lead to intense political debate and calls for accountability, potentially impacting the government's image and future policies. The debate on air pollution is critical for addressing a major public health and environmental challenge in the capital, potentially leading to new policy measures or stricter enforcement.
**Exam Relevance**
This is highly relevant for UPSC GS Paper 2 (Polity & Governance - Legislature, Accountability, CAG) and GS Paper 3 (Environment - Pollution, Environmental Governance). Questions can focus on the role of CAG, legislative processes, and environmental policy.
Full Analysis
**What Happened**
The Winter Session of the Delhi Assembly commenced on Monday, January 5, 2026, with Lieutenant-Governor V.K. Saxena's speech. The four-day session, continuing until January 8, is expected to feature debates on the persistent air pollution crisis and the tabling of ==Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)== reports.
**Context & Background**
The session unfolds against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny of governance in Delhi. The CAG reports are expected to highlight alleged irregularities by the previous Aam Aadmi Party government, particularly concerning the renovation of former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's official residence, the functioning of the Delhi Jal Board, and government-run universities.
**Key Details & Facts**
The session will run from @@January 5 to January 8, 2026@@. Besides air pollution and CAG reports, a resolution on the authenticity of a 'phansi-ghar' inaugurated on Assembly premises is also likely to be presented. Speaker Vijender Gupta emphasized the significance of constructive engagement during the session.
**Implications & Impact**
The tabling of CAG reports could lead to intense political debate and calls for accountability, potentially impacting the government's image and future policies. The debate on air pollution is critical for addressing a major public health and environmental challenge in the capital, potentially leading to new policy measures or stricter enforcement.
**Exam Relevance**
This is highly relevant for UPSC GS Paper 2 (Polity & Governance - Legislature, Accountability, CAG) and GS Paper 3 (Environment - Pollution, Environmental Governance). Questions can focus on the role of CAG, legislative processes, and environmental policy.
Background Context
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India is a cornerstone of democratic accountability, established by the Constitution under Article 148. Its origins trace back to the Auditor General's office created during British rule, evolving significantly post-independence to become an independent constitutional authority. The CAG's role is to audit all receipts and expenditure of the Union and State governments, including those of bodies and authorities substantially financed by the government. This independence is crucial, safeguarded by provisions like security of tenure, non-eligibility for further government office, and charging salaries to the Consolidated Fund of India. Over the decades, the CAG's mandate has expanded from mere compliance auditing to performance and efficiency auditing, playing a vital role in parliamentary oversight and public finance management. The institution serves as the 'guardian of the public purse' and an agent of Parliament, ensuring executive accountability for public expenditure.
Current Developments
In recent years, the relationship between the Lieutenant Governor (LG) and the elected government in Delhi, a Union Territory with a Legislative Assembly (Article 239AA), has been a subject of frequent contention. This power struggle often revolves around administrative control, appointments, and policy implementation, with the Supreme Court occasionally intervening to clarify jurisdictional boundaries. Concurrently, environmental governance, particularly addressing air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR), has gained unprecedented urgency. Initiatives like the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), and various state-level policies on electric vehicles and industrial emissions reflect a concerted, albeit challenging, effort to combat the crisis. Furthermore, CAG reports have increasingly become a focal point for political discourse, with their findings often leading to intense debates in legislative bodies and demands for accountability from opposition parties, underscoring their critical role in democratic oversight.
Practice MCQs
Question 1
With reference to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, consider the following statements:
1. The CAG is appointed by the President of India and can be removed only by an order of the President on grounds of proved misbehaviour or incapacity.
2. The CAG audits the accounts of the Union and State governments, but not those of local bodies or government companies.
3. The reports of the CAG relating to the accounts of the Union are submitted to the President, who shall cause them to be laid before each House of Parliament.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. The CAG is appointed by the President and can be removed in the same manner as a judge of the Supreme Court, i.e., by the President on an address by both Houses of Parliament on grounds of proved misbehaviour or incapacity.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The CAG audits the accounts of the Union and State governments, as well as those of government companies and certain local bodies, if mandated by law or agreement.
Statement 3 is correct. Article 151(1) states that the reports of the CAG relating to the accounts of the Union shall be submitted to the President, who shall cause them to be laid before each House of Parliament.
Question 2
Consider the following statements regarding the special provisions for the National Capital Territory of Delhi:
1. The Legislative Assembly of Delhi has the power to make laws on all subjects in the State List and Concurrent List, similar to a full-fledged state assembly.
2. The Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Delhi acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, except in matters where he is required to act in his discretion.
3. In case of a difference of opinion between the LG and his Ministers on any matter, the LG can refer it to the President for a decision.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The Delhi Legislative Assembly has the power to make laws on subjects in the State List and Concurrent List, but with significant exceptions. It cannot make laws on 'public order', 'police', and 'land', which fall under the purview of the Central Government/LG.
Statement 2 is correct. Article 239AA(4) states that the LG shall act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, except in matters where he is required to act in his discretion.
Statement 3 is correct. Article 239AA(4) also provides that in case of a difference of opinion between the LG and his Ministers on any matter, the LG shall refer it to the President for decision and act according to the decision given thereon by the President.
Question 3
Which of the following constitutional provisions or legislative acts are directly relevant to addressing the issue of air pollution in India?
1. Article 21 of the Constitution of India
2. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
3. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
4. Article 48A of the Constitution of India
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1, 2 and 3 only
- 2, 3 and 4 only
- 1, 3 and 4 only
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation: All the given options are directly relevant to addressing air pollution.
1. Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) has been interpreted by the Supreme Court to include the right to a clean environment, free from pollution.
2. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, is an umbrella legislation for the protection and improvement of the environment, including air quality.
3. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, is specifically designed to prevent, control, and abate air pollution.
4. Article 48A (Directive Principles of State Policy) mandates the State to endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.
Question 4
Which of the following statements correctly describes the primary role of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports in the Indian parliamentary system?
- To directly punish government officials found guilty of financial irregularities.
- To provide recommendations for new legislative policies to the Parliament.
- To assist Parliament in holding the executive accountable for public expenditure.
- To approve the annual budget proposals of the Union and State governments.
Explanation: The primary role of CAG reports is to assist Parliament (and State Legislatures) in exercising financial control over the executive. The CAG scrutinizes government spending and reports on any irregularities, inefficiencies, or non-compliance with rules, thereby enabling the legislature to hold the executive accountable. The CAG does not have the power to directly punish officials (A), nor is its primary role to recommend new legislative policies (B), though its findings might inform policy. The CAG also does not approve budgets (D); that is the role of the legislature.
Previous Year Questions
PYQ 1 - UPSC Prelims 2021 2021
With reference to the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), consider the following statements:
1. The CAG is appointed by the President of India.
2. The CAG is responsible for auditing the accounts of the Union government only.
3. The reports of the CAG relating to the accounts of a State are submitted to the Governor of the State, who shall cause them to be laid before the Legislature of the State.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 1 and 2 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. The CAG is appointed by the President of India by a warrant under his hand and seal. Statement 2 is incorrect. The CAG audits the accounts of both the Union and State governments, as well as public sector undertakings and other bodies financed by the government. Statement 3 is correct. Article 151(2) states that the reports of the CAG relating to the accounts of a State shall be submitted to the Governor of the State, who shall cause them to be laid before the Legislature of the State. This directly relates to the news of CAG reports being tabled in the Delhi Assembly.
PYQ 2 - UPSC Mains 2024 (GS Paper 2) 2024
The tabling of Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports in state legislatures often sparks intense political debates. In this context, discuss the significance of CAG reports in ensuring accountability and transparency in public finance. What are the challenges faced by the CAG in effectively discharging its duties, especially in the context of state-level governance?
PYQ 3 - SSC CGL 2023 2023
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India submits its audit reports relating to the accounts of a State to whom?
- (a) The Chief Minister of the State
- (b) The Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly
- (c) The Governor of the State
- (d) The President of India
Explanation: According to Article 151(2) of the Indian Constitution, the reports of the CAG relating to the accounts of a State shall be submitted to the Governor of the State, who shall cause them to be laid before the Legislature of the State.
PYQ 4 - SSC CHSL 2023 2023
The Winter Session of the Delhi Assembly, which commenced on January 5, 2026, is scheduled to run for how many days?
- (a) Two days
- (b) Three days
- (c) Four days
- (d) Five days
Explanation: The topic details state that the four-day session will continue until January 8, having commenced on January 5 (Jan 5, 6, 7, 8 = 4 days).
PYQ 5 - IBPS PO 2023 2023
Who delivered the inaugural speech at the commencement of the Winter Session of the Delhi Assembly on January 5, 2026?
- (a) Lieutenant-Governor V.K. Saxena
- (b) Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal
- (c) Speaker Vijender Gupta
- (d) Chief Secretary of Delhi
Explanation: The summary explicitly states that the Winter Session commenced with Lieutenant-Governor V.K. Saxena's speech.
PYQ 6 - SBI PO 2023 2023
Which of the following issues, besides air pollution, was a major agenda item for debate in the Delhi Assembly's Winter Session?
- (a) Amendments to the Delhi Education Act
- (b) Tabling of Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports
- (c) Delimitation of Assembly constituencies
- (d) Introduction of a new municipal corporation bill
Explanation: The headline and summary clearly state that CAG reports and air pollution were on the agenda for the Delhi Assembly Winter Session.
PYQ 7 - CDS 2024 2024
Consider the following statements regarding the legislative process in the National Capital Territory of Delhi:
1. The Lieutenant-Governor (LG) of Delhi has more discretionary powers compared to a Governor of a full-fledged state.
2. CAG reports relating to the accounts of the NCT of Delhi are submitted to the LG, who then causes them to be laid before the Delhi Assembly.
3. The Delhi Assembly has legislative competence over 'public order', 'police', and 'land'.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 1 and 2 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Due to Delhi's unique status as a Union Territory with a legislature, the LG has more discretionary powers and can refer matters to the President in case of differences with the Council of Ministers, unlike a Governor of a state who is generally bound by the aid and advice of the CoM. Statement 2 is correct, as per Article 151(2) read with the special provisions for UTs. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Delhi Assembly does not have legislative competence over 'public order', 'police', and 'land'; these subjects fall under the purview of the Central Government, administered through the LG.
PYQ 8 - CDS 2023 2023
Which of the following bodies is responsible for auditing the accounts of the Delhi Jal Board, a statutory body under the Delhi government, as per the information provided?
- (a) Delhi Finance Commission
- (b) Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)
- (c) Ministry of Home Affairs
- (d) Delhi High Court
Explanation: The context mentions that CAG reports are expected to highlight alleged irregularities concerning the functioning of the Delhi Jal Board, implying that the CAG is responsible for auditing its accounts. The CAG audits all bodies substantially financed by the government.