NEWS:
The CAG(Comptroller and Auditor General) recently released a report of the COALGATE scam. In this whole master blunder, the national exchequer faced an estimated loss of Rs. 1.86 lakh crore. The 155 coal blocks obtained by captive mining were distributed illegally to 100 private companies.
BACKGROUND:
During the period of 2004-2009, the coal ministry was to allocate coal blocks to the companies and as per the legal process, this had to be done through an auction. However, the top notches of the ministry which also includes the current Prime Minister , Dr. Manmohan Singh, who was the minister-in-charge from 2005-09 , had manipulated the legal processes. It is believed that even though the date for auction was decided but before that some firms were granted coal blocks through a screening committee. This delay in the introduction of competitive bidding is the reason why the CAG is pointing fingers. As the report elucidates, these choiced companies were given post-bid concessions.
MY OPINION:
ROLE OF CAG-
Initially, the CAG was supposed to be a mouthpiece of the government. Even if some loopholes were found in the functioning of the lawmakers, they were suppressed and very often ignored. For the first time, the CAG is utilising his powers and has released many "killer" reports. His investigations have left the parliamentarians speechless and clueless.
Even though the CAG is in full praise of the schemes architectured by the government over the past few years, he is not complacent about their working. He believes in seeing all legislations passed in the parliament, through the magnifying glass. The Coalgate scam exposed shows his awareness and devotion to his work.He has challenged the government in power. Moreover, the "KRANTIVIR"(as he is called) has also shown some statistics which are not fully confirmed. For instance, the loss due to this coal-gate scam was pegged at Rs. 10.67 lakh crore and then the CAG sent a notice of correction as Rs. 1.86 lakh crore. Not that, it lessens the impact of accusation on the government.
ROLE OF GOVERNMENT-
It is unfortunate to know that the people who are supposed to be the leaders of the country have started using politics as a means to fulfill their vested interests. As analysed by many press reports, the ministers failed to realise that auctions are necessary to increase the transparency and objectivity in the allocation.They have tried to garner support of the private firms by providing them cheaper sources of electricity or power. They are unmindful of their responsibility of acting as a trustee and guardian of the natural resources we possess. An official of the government defended their action by saying that auction leads to towering power costs.This not only defames the current coalition in power but also reduces the chances of their re-election.
ROLE OF OPPOSITION-
The opposition look for situations to add fuel to fire. But this new exposed charge of shortselling natural resources on the government has given an opportunity to the opposing parties to chide them. Well, rightly so, this ensures more deliberation in decision making for the nation. But, I also believe that too much of rivalry(as is going on amongst the national political parties) is not beneficial for the nation. After all it is necessary to come to a right conclusion after discussions.
While there are actions and reactions over this new "COAL-GATE SCAM" , let's hope that CAG reports are able to unearth the true culprit.
The CAG(Comptroller and Auditor General) recently released a report of the COALGATE scam. In this whole master blunder, the national exchequer faced an estimated loss of Rs. 1.86 lakh crore. The 155 coal blocks obtained by captive mining were distributed illegally to 100 private companies.
BACKGROUND:
During the period of 2004-2009, the coal ministry was to allocate coal blocks to the companies and as per the legal process, this had to be done through an auction. However, the top notches of the ministry which also includes the current Prime Minister , Dr. Manmohan Singh, who was the minister-in-charge from 2005-09 , had manipulated the legal processes. It is believed that even though the date for auction was decided but before that some firms were granted coal blocks through a screening committee. This delay in the introduction of competitive bidding is the reason why the CAG is pointing fingers. As the report elucidates, these choiced companies were given post-bid concessions.
MY OPINION:
ROLE OF CAG-
Initially, the CAG was supposed to be a mouthpiece of the government. Even if some loopholes were found in the functioning of the lawmakers, they were suppressed and very often ignored. For the first time, the CAG is utilising his powers and has released many "killer" reports. His investigations have left the parliamentarians speechless and clueless.
Even though the CAG is in full praise of the schemes architectured by the government over the past few years, he is not complacent about their working. He believes in seeing all legislations passed in the parliament, through the magnifying glass. The Coalgate scam exposed shows his awareness and devotion to his work.He has challenged the government in power. Moreover, the "KRANTIVIR"(as he is called) has also shown some statistics which are not fully confirmed. For instance, the loss due to this coal-gate scam was pegged at Rs. 10.67 lakh crore and then the CAG sent a notice of correction as Rs. 1.86 lakh crore. Not that, it lessens the impact of accusation on the government.
ROLE OF GOVERNMENT-
It is unfortunate to know that the people who are supposed to be the leaders of the country have started using politics as a means to fulfill their vested interests. As analysed by many press reports, the ministers failed to realise that auctions are necessary to increase the transparency and objectivity in the allocation.They have tried to garner support of the private firms by providing them cheaper sources of electricity or power. They are unmindful of their responsibility of acting as a trustee and guardian of the natural resources we possess. An official of the government defended their action by saying that auction leads to towering power costs.This not only defames the current coalition in power but also reduces the chances of their re-election.
ROLE OF OPPOSITION-
The opposition look for situations to add fuel to fire. But this new exposed charge of shortselling natural resources on the government has given an opportunity to the opposing parties to chide them. Well, rightly so, this ensures more deliberation in decision making for the nation. But, I also believe that too much of rivalry(as is going on amongst the national political parties) is not beneficial for the nation. After all it is necessary to come to a right conclusion after discussions.
While there are actions and reactions over this new "COAL-GATE SCAM" , let's hope that CAG reports are able to unearth the true culprit.
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