Congress MP Calls for Comprehensive Investigation into Singareni Collieries Operations
In a significant development from Hyderabad, Congress Member of Parliament Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy has formally requested Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy to initiate a thorough and comprehensive inquiry into all tenders, contracts, and official procedures undertaken by the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) since the year 2014.
Scope of the Proposed Investigation
In his detailed letter addressed to the Union minister, Kiran Kumar Reddy emphasized that the proposed inquiry must encompass a wide range of activities. Specifically, he highlighted that the investigation should cover decisions made during the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government's tenure, as well as tender processes that are currently under implementation. The MP stressed that this broad scope is essential to ensure no aspect of the company's operations remains unexamined.
Protecting Public Sector Interests
Kiran Kumar Reddy articulated a strong need to protect the interests of SCCL, which he described as a prestigious public sector undertaking. He argued that maintaining probity, transparency, and public trust in the functioning of such a significant organization is absolutely crucial for its long-term success and credibility. The MP expressed concern that any irregularities or lapses in tender allocations over the past decade must be systematically identified and brought into the public domain to uphold principles of accountability.
Addressing Past and Present Concerns
The Congress MP's demand comes amid ongoing scrutiny of SCCL's operations. He specifically welcomed the Union minister's recent response to the controversy surrounding the Naini coal block tenders, which has been a point of contention. The minister's decision to order an inquiry by a two-member central team was acknowledged as a positive step, but Kiran Kumar Reddy believes a more extensive investigation is necessary to address all potential issues comprehensively.
Emphasis on Transparency and Accountability
Throughout his communication, Kiran Kumar Reddy repeatedly emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in public sector enterprises. He argued that only through a detailed and impartial inquiry can the true state of SCCL's tender processes and contractual agreements be understood. The MP's call for action reflects growing concerns about governance and operational integrity within major public sector units, particularly those involved in critical sectors like coal mining.
This development highlights ongoing political and administrative scrutiny of public sector operations in Telangana, with potential implications for both current and former government administrations involved in SCCL's management since 2014.
