What is the common examiner trap about Polity in UPSC exams?

They may ask about the 'type' of audit (Performance Audit vs. Financial Audit) or confuse the roles of CERC (tariff, inter-state) and CEA (technical, planning). Another trap is swapping the per capita electricity consumption targets for 2030 (2,000 kWh) and 2047 (4,000 kWh).

What should UPSC aspirants remember about Polity for Prelims?

1. Target this Data: Launch date of PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (Feb 13, 2024). 2. Target this Nodal Body: Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) - the auditing body. 3. Target this Legal Point: CAG's constitutional mandate under Article 148.

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CAG Launches Horizontal Performance Audit of Discoms & PM Surya Ghar Scheme (Launched Feb 13, 2024)

Q: Under which constitutional article is the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) established?

Article 148, The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is established under Article 148 of the Constitution of India. This article provides for the appointment, oath, and conditions of service of the CAG, who is the head of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department.

Q: Consider the following statements regarding the news: 1. The CAG has initiated a performance audit of the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. 2. The scheme aims to provide free electricity to households by facilitating the installation of rooftop wind turbines. 3. The national power sector conference was organized by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Only 1, Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the scheme facilitates the installation of rooftop solar panels, not wind turbines. Statement 3 is incorrect; the conference was organized by the CAG office, not the MNRE.

Q: According to the news, what is the current per capita electricity consumption in India, as mentioned by the CAG?

1,460 kWh, The article explicitly states that the vision is to enhance per capita electricity consumption from 1,460 kWh at present to higher targets. The other options are the target for 2030 (2,000 kWh) or distractors.

Q: What is the primary objective of the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, as mentioned in the article?

To provide free electricity to households by facilitating rooftop solar panels, The article clearly states the scheme aims to provide 'free electricity to households by facilitating the installation of rooftop solar panels'. Auditing discoms is a CAG action, not the scheme's objective. Increasing consumption is a broader sector vision, and organizing conferences is an event, not the scheme's primary goal.

Polity Economy InfrastructureHIGH

Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link

24 Feb 2026

~2 min

Source: Indian Express

Key Data:February 13, 20241,460 kWh2,000 kWh by 20304,000 kWh by 2047

Bodies:CAGMNRECERCCEANTPCNHPCSECIPFCGrid-IndiaPGCIL

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~2 min · Quick mode

What This Article Covers

1.CAG has begun a horizontal performance audit of discoms and a separate performance audit of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.

2.The audit plan was discussed at a national power sector conference attended by key officials from central and state governments, regulatory bodies, and major PSUs.

3.The audits align with the sector's vision to increase per capita electricity consumption from 1,460 kWh to 2,000 kWh by 2030 and 4,000 kWh by 2047.

The Big Picture

Prelims · HighMains · Medium

India's supreme audit institution, the CAG, has initiated a crucial performance audit covering two critical areas: the operational and financial health of power distribution companies (discoms) and the implementation of the flagship rooftop solar scheme, PM Surya Ghar. This audit aims to ensure efficiency and transparency in the power sector, which is vital for achieving the national vision of reliable 24x7 power and higher per capita electricity consumption.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Scheme Launch DateFebruary 13, 2024

Current Per Capita Consumption1,460 kWh

Target 20302,000 kWh

Target 20474,000 kWh

1-Minute Revision

›Scheme Launch Date: February 13, 2024
›Current Per Capita Consumption: 1,460 kWh
›Target this Data: Launch date of PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (Feb 13, 2024).
›Target this Nodal Body: Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) - the auditing body.
›Target this Legal Point: CAG's constitutional mandate under Article 148.

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News Snapshot

🔍

CAG's Dual Audit

The Comptroller and Auditor General has started a horizontal performance audit of discoms and a performance audit of the PM Surya Ghar rooftop solar scheme.

⚡

Power Sector Vision

The sector aims to increase per capita electricity consumption from 1,460 kWh to 2,000 kWh by 2030 and provide reliable 24x7 quality power.

🤝

Multi-Stakeholder Conference

A national conference organized by CAG brought together secretaries, CERC & CEA chairpersons, and heads of major power PSUs to align the audit focus.

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

The Indian power sector has long grappled with the financial and operational inefficiencies of distribution companies (discoms), which affect the entire electricity value chain. The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, launched in 2024, is a central government scheme to promote rooftop solar and reduce household electricity bills. The CAG's audit is a standard governance mechanism to evaluate the effectiveness and financial prudence of such major public interventions and infrastructure.

Core Analysis & Implications

A 'horizontal performance audit' by CAG means it will examine a common theme (discom performance) across multiple states/entities, allowing for comparative analysis. This can identify systemic issues like AT&C losses, subsidy leakage, or operational bottlenecks. Auditing the solar scheme will check if subsidies are reaching intended beneficiaries and if installation targets are met. The findings could lead to policy corrections, better fund utilization, and improved scheme design, ultimately impacting the sector's financial viability and renewable energy goals.

Future Outlook / Way Forward

The audit's recommendations will be crucial for the Power and MNRE Ministries to reform discoms and streamline the solar scheme. Success hinges on states' cooperation in implementing audit suggestions. This process reinforces accountability and is a step towards achieving the ambitious targets of 24x7 reliable power and significantly higher per capita consumption by 2030 and 2047, as outlined by the CAG. Future audits may focus on transmission losses or renewable energy integration.

Key Facts at a Glance

Scheme Launch DateFebruary 13, 2024

Current Per Capita Consumption1,460 kWh

Target 20302,000 kWh

Target 20474,000 kWh

You've read the full analysis. Now test your understanding.

Practice exam-style questions based on this article.

Q1Static LinkageEasyUPSC, SSC, State PSC

Under which constitutional article is the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) established?

Q2Statement-basedMediumUPSC, SSC

Consider the following statements regarding the news:

1. The CAG has initiated a performance audit of the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.

2. The scheme aims to provide free electricity to households by facilitating the installation of rooftop wind turbines.

3. The national power sector conference was organized by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricEasyUPSC, SSC, Banking

According to the news, what is the current per capita electricity consumption in India, as mentioned by the CAG?

Q4Application/ImpactEasyUPSC, SSC, State PSC

What is the primary objective of the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, as mentioned in the article?

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CAG Launches Horizontal Performance Audit of Discoms & PM Surya Ghar Scheme (Launched Feb 13, 2024)

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

1-Minute Revision

News Snapshot

CAG's Dual Audit

Power Sector Vision

Multi-Stakeholder Conference

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

Core Analysis & Implications

Future Outlook / Way Forward

Prelims Flashpoints

Key Facts at a Glance