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 a thorough assessment to determine the veracity of the claims and to review the adequacy of safeguards, mechanisms, and internal controls within the company.
Allegations of Coal Disappearance
The union minister's letter follows recent allegations regarding the disappearance of 40 lakh metric tonnes of coal, valued at approximately Rs 1,600 crore, along with other instances of financial mismanagement. Leaders from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), including T Harish Rao and KT Rama Rao, have raised concerns about coal stocks, tenders, and solar projects in recent weeks. The BRS had also called on union ministers to look into these issues.
Importance of SCCL
Kishan Reddy emphasized that SCCL is a joint venture between the central government and the state government, providing livelihoods to 40,000 employees and their families. The company plays a significant role in national coal production and contributes to the country's energy security.
“Some recent media reports have alleged purported irregularities and unethical practices in SCCL which, if true, may be detrimental to the company’s interests. Various newspapers have published reports relating to the disappearance of 40 lakh tonnes of coal, worth Rs 1,600 crore, resulting in significant financial loss to the company. Given SCCL’s current financial position due to unpaid dues exceeding Rs 51,500 crore from the Telangana government, these allegations could further hamper the financial stability of SCCL,” Kishan Reddy stated.
Call for Prompt Action
The minister warned that if these allegations are not examined and addressed promptly, they could undermine SCCL’s financial position and impede its future growth and sustainability. He suggested that the assessment should consider using technology-based monitoring tools and implementing periodic review mechanisms to identify weaknesses early and address them promptly. “Such steps would help close any systemic gaps, prevent similar issues from arising in future, and further strengthen the efficiency, transparency, and credibility of the organization,” he added.
Personal Intervention Sought
Kishan Reddy urged the chief minister to personally intervene to ensure the smooth operation of the company and the welfare of its workforce, both direct and indirect.
