Hyderabad: Union Minister G Kishan Reddy has urged Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to investigate allegations of irregularities at the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL). In a letter sent on Saturday, the minister called for an assessment to determine if the alleged mismanagement holds any truth and to evaluate whether adequate safeguards, mechanisms, and internal controls are in place for the company's effective functioning.
Allegations of Coal Disappearance
The letter follows recent allegations by BRS leaders T Harish Rao and KT Rama Rao regarding the disappearance of 40 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of coal, valued at Rs 1,600 crore, along with other financial mismanagement issues. The BRS had previously urged union ministers to look into these matters.
SCCL's Significance
Kishan Reddy emphasized that SCCL is a jointly owned coal company by the Central and state governments, providing livelihoods to 40,000 employees and their families. It contributes significantly to national coal production and, consequently, to the nation's energy security.
Media Reports and Financial Impact
Recent media reports have alleged purported irregularities and unethical practices in SCCL, which, if true, could be detrimental to the company's interests. Newspapers have published stories about the disappearance of 40 lakh tonnes of coal worth Rs 1,600 crore, resulting in substantial financial loss. Given SCCL's current financial position, with unpaid dues exceeding Rs 51,500 crore from the Telangana government, these allegations could further hamper its financial stability.
Call for Prompt Action
The union minister warned that if such allegations are not examined with alacrity and addressed promptly, they may undermine SCCL's financial position and impede its future growth and sustainability. He suggested that during the assessment, consideration should be given to using technology-based monitoring tools and implementing periodic review mechanisms to identify weaknesses early and address them promptly. Such steps would help close systemic gaps, prevent similar issues in the future, and strengthen the efficiency, transparency, and credibility of the organization.
Personal Intervention Requested
Kishan Reddy urged the Chief Minister's personal intervention to ensure the smooth operation of the company and the welfare of its employees, both directly and indirectly engaged.
