WHO reappoints CAG of India as external auditor for another four year term

Comptroller Auditor General (CAG) of India Girish Chandra Murmu was re-elected as External Auditor of the World Health Organization (WHO) today at the 76th World Health Assembly another four years beginning 2024. His term was to end this year. The CAG has been holding this position in WHO since 2019. He received an overwhelming majority of votes– 114 out of 156 votes. The reappointment reflects India’s growing soft power on the global stage.

“It is also a recognition of India’s contribution in the world audit map,” a senior government official said.

The External Auditor of the WHO obtains assurance to express an opinion on the annual Audited Financial Statements and issues an annual report on their review and findings to the Health Assembly.

Amid unprecedented rise in global challenges, the role of the Supreme Audit Institutes has become more pronounced.

Besides WHO, Murmu is also the external auditor of the International Labour Organisation, International Atomic Energy Agency and Food and Agriculture Organization.

While for ILO and IAEA, he will hold the post till 2027, The CAG’s current term at FAO will end in 2025.

Meanwhile India currently holds the eight-member Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s presidency along with that of the G20.

Also read: Auditing of local bodies key as India aims to touch $5 trillion economy: CAG