Coal scam of Rs. 6,000 crores in Gujarat in the last 14 years

Editorial comment

  • The public feels that the Govt should make inquiries of this scam impartially, bring the truth before the public and take severe action against those responsible for it.

Gandhinagar (Gujarat) – Instead of giving the coal to small and medium industries in the State, many Government agencies got involved in the scam of up to Rs. 6,000 crores by selling that coal to the industries in other States, reported ‘Dainik Bhaskar’.

The report states,

Up to now, 60 lakhs ton of coal extracted from the ‘Coal India’ mines is being sent in the name of businessmen and small industries in Gujarat. On average, the cost is Rs. 1,800 crores at the rate of Rs 3,000 per ton but instead of selling the coal to the respective industries, it was black marketed in other States at the rate of Rs. 8,000-10,000 per ton. Some Government agencies and some Government officials are believed to be involved in this scam.
Anil Jain, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Central Government, said that coal is given to the agencies appointed by the State Government. Our role ends here.

Coal India Director Satyendra Tiwari said that it was the responsibility of the Industries Department of the State Government to appoint agencies. Any matter arising in this regard should be brought to the notice of the State Home Department. Necessary evidence should also be included.

An official who held top positions in Coal India said that there had been a lot of corruption in Gujarat. The Gujarat Government should give complete information to Coal India, but the State Government is dodging it. Despite true information available, incorrect information is passed on.