Govt begins search for new CAG as Vinod Rai's term nears end

As the eventful tenure of Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Vinod Rai enters its last lap, names of two senior IAS officers - cabinet secretary Ajit Seth and home secretary R. K. Singh - have emerged as likely choices for the next CAG.

Rai's term will come to end in May, as he will turn 65.

Among the probables, defence secretary Shashi Kant Sharma is also emerging as a strong contender, sources said.

Seth, a UP cadre IAS officer of 1974 batch, is known to play it by rules and believes in working diligently behind the scenes, exactly the kind of profile that will suit the government after it burnt its fingers with Rai who did not mind cutting the red tape to get things done.

R. K Singh, a 75 batch IAS officer of Bihar cadre, has helmed some crucial positions and enjoys the UPA's trust. However, a source said his tenure as the home secretary has not really been a very smooth affair.

The UPA, sources said, is keen to appoint a more placid official after being at the receiving end of Rai's explosive stint in which he helmed some of the most critical audit reports any government has ever seen, which helped expose 2G scam and the coal scam.

Rai did not keep quiet after penning the reports and gathered support from the public, which criticised the government, bringing the UPA more embarrassment.

The President decides the CAG's name on the Prime Minister's advice.

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