There is no scam in the allocation of coal blocks: Coal Minister

As the CBI begins its probe in the alleged Coalgate scam which was recently estimated worth Rs 1200 crore, the Coal Ministry is trying to clear the black clouds hovering over it to tarnish its image. Union Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal has denied any irregularities in the allocation of coal blocks during 2004-09. According to coal minister, CBI investigations will reveal the name of companies, if any, who misused the coal allocated to them during the said period.

“Who says there were irregularities in coal blocks allocation? Let CBI investigate the matter, we will comment then,” Jaiswal said. Jaiswal also added that his ministry was not aware of any CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General of India) report on the matter. “There is no CAG report with me. There is no scam in the allocation of coal blocks,” he said.

Earlier, when the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had presented a report the Coal Minister had dismissed the findings by naming the report as “illogical”. By adding further, Jaiswal had said “This is no logic. If this is accepted, there are so many hydro projects in the country. Tell me whether usage of water was charged.”

In the coal scam, it is alleged that government has allocated coal blocks to private companies in an irregular manner instead of public auction, during 2004-09. The investigating agency is also examining the role of four state governments namely West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand for signing MoUs with the private companies.

The anti-corruption activist - Anna Hazare and his team had demanded special investigation team (SIT), instead of CBI, to probe Coalgate scam in which nearly 14 ministers are allegedly involved.