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A two-member technical committee appointed by the Union coal ministry on Saturday launched a detailed probe into the alleged controversial Naini coal block tenders issued by Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), even as Union coal and mines minister G Kishan Reddy advised Singareni officials to avoid controversies and focus on strengthening the public sector miner through efficient and profitable operations.
The central team arrived at Singareni Bhavan in Hyderabad and began examining the circumstances surrounding the Naini coal mine tenders, which were issued by SCCL and later cancelled by Telangana deputy chief minister Bhatti Vikramarka, who holds the energy portfolio. The inquiry comes amid allegations of irregularities levelled by the BRS against Singareni during the Congress govt’s tenure.
The committee, comprising coal ministry officials — deputy director general Chetana Shukla and technical director Marapalli Venkateshwarlu — has been tasked with examining tender regulations, utilisation of CSR funds and other related aspects.
Sources said the team conducted inquiries for nearly seven hours on Friday night, resumed the probe on Saturday and collected details from SCCL chairman and managing director Krishna Bhaskar. The committee is expected to submit its report to the Centre by Monday.
The BRS has alleged irregularities in Singareni’s tendering process under the Congress govt. However, Bhatti has rejected the charges and offered to order a comprehensive inquiry into all tenders and contracts awarded by Singareni since 2014, when the BRS came to power, till date.
Even as the central team continued its inquiry in Hyderabad, Kishan Reddy, who is on a two-day tour of coal mining areas, visited Kothagudem on Saturday and held a high-level review meeting with the SCCL CMD, directors and general managers.
Kishan Reddy laid emphasis on making SCCL more efficient and profitable. He sought detailed briefings on coal production, coal quality and welfare measures for workers.
The Union minister suggested that SCCL focus on coal gasification projects for syngas production, establishment of pumped water power plants for diversified power generation, and setting up coal washeries to improve coal quality. He also reviewed decisions taken by the company to enhance coal production, particularly in view of certain underground mines scheduled to be closed over the next five years.
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