Prakash Karat demands thorough probe in coal scam

New Delhi, June 11 (ANI): Despite the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) ruling out the involvement of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in the coal scam, CPI (M) General Secretary Prakash Karat on Monday demanded a thorough probe into the allocation of coal blocks made between 2005-2008.

"We would like a full and thorough investigation into these coal block allocations. We cannot buy the arguments given by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) justifying the coal block allocations made in the period 2005-2008," said Karat.

Referring to the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General on the coal block allocations, Karat said it shows that the whole procedures in the allocation of coal blocks to private companies has resulted in huge profits for the private companies and a big loss of revenue for the government.

"I would like to also refer to the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG report), which is to be submitted to the Monsoon Session of Parliament regarding the coal block allocations. What reports have appeared shows that the CAG has found fault with the whole process of allocation, the whole procedures in the allocation of coal blocks to private companies which has resulted in huge profits for these companies and a big loss of revenue for the government," said Karat.

"Now, already the CBI is investigating this, as the matter has been referred to it by the CVC," he added.

Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office (PMO) V. Narayanasamy had earlier on Saturday ruled out the involvement of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in the coal scam, and held the companies responsible for furnishing illegal documents.

Narayanasamy said the Prime Minister had nothing to do with the arrears.

" If the coal blocks were auctioned as told by the CAG, it would be very difficult for the government to impose condition on the power producing units to give power at 3.15 rupees," he added.

Narayanasamy said all the decisions were taken keeping in mind the welfare of the people.

"The coal blocks were allocated by the transparent method to the companies for the production of energy to the public sector undertakings and private sector, and also joint sector with the state government. The paramount importance was public welfare," said Narayanasamy.

"And the CAG has no business, no power, has no authority to question the government's policy. They can only consider whether the new process has been followed or not," he added.

The CBI had last month started a preliminary probe into alleged irregularities in the allocation of coal blocks in 2006-09.

The CBI has formed 14 small teams within its economic offences wing (EOW) to scrutinize documents pertaining to allocation of coal blocks, and seek details from private firms that were given these mines. (ANI)