CAG again embarrasses govt with “coal scam”; ruckus in Parliament

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has showed an yellow card just ahead of UPA-II’s last minute preparations of release of its “report card” which will list the government’s achievements over the past three years to mark the third anniversary celebrations. The CAG presented a report which points out a loss worth Rs 180,000 crore ($40 billion) in the allocation of coal blocks during 2004-09 to the private companies. The report caused disruptions of business in both the houses.

The final report was presented to the government on May 11, 2012, however, the same has not been yet tabled in the Parliament, claimed CAG. As the news came out in the Parliament, the opposition parties created ruckus by demonstrating the copies of newspapers carrying the report. However Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal, dismissed the findings of CAG by naming the report as “illogical”. By adding further, Jaiswal said “This has no logic. If this is accepted, there are so many hydro projects in the country. Tell me whether usage of water was charged.”

Today was the last day of Budget - 2 session and last working day of Parliament, now both the houses will meet for monsoon session.