GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF COAL

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 580

ANSWERED ON:28.07.2010

COAL MAFIA

(a) whether the Government has any information regarding the irregularities / malpractices and operation of the coal mafia in different coal mines of the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof; company –wise

(c) Whether the Government propose to revamp the coal sector to check the illegal / unethical activities; and?

(d) If so, the action plan drawn up for this purpose?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR COAL (IC) IN THE MINISTRY OF COAL AND MINISTER OF STATE(IC) IN THE MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION (SHRI SRIPRAKSH JAISWAL)

(a) & (b): Mafia Activities involve law and order issues which are the concern of the State Governments. There is no report received from the State Governments on mafia activities in coal industry. However, at times, it is experienced that during the process of tendering for procurement of services such as transport of coal / over burden removal and other works which are done through contractors, adequate response from prospective bidders is not received, probably out of fear from some people or groups of people. As such, re-tendering in some of the cases have to be resorted to.

It has also been experienced that after the award of the contract, the new contractors in some of the coalfields are not able to complete the work and sometimes leave the works half done probably due to fear from some people or groups of people.

 Further, when any information/complaint is received, the Vigilance Department undertakes a preliminary verification of the same. If, prima facie, it appears that there is substance in the complaint or information, a detailed investigation is undertaken by the CVO of the concerned coal company. The Chief Vigilance Officer of Coal India Limited co-ordinates their efforts and also undertakes direct investigations through his officers when so required by the Ministry of Coal or the Central Vigilance Commission

(c) & (d): To check illegal / unethical activities, the following steps are being taken by Government / coal companies: 

 i) Implementation of the Integrity Pact.

ii) Improving vigilance administration by leveraging technology; curbing malpractices by increasing transparency through effective use of Website and bringing about accountability in the discharge of duties and in public dealings.

iii) Appointment of Independent External Monitors for Coal India Ltd. (CIL) and its Subsidiary Companies as per the CVC circular to review and oversee the implementation of the Integrity Pact Programme.

iv) Sensitive posts have been identified for effective compliance with directives of CVC regarding transfer of personnel working in sensitive posts.

v) Preparation of Agreed list.

vi) Updating the List of officials with doubtful Integrity.

vii) Regular Interaction with CBI.

viii) Organizing Inter-active session amongst high ranking officers of CIL & its Subsidiaries and CVOs & CVC.

ix) Transparency in actions highlighted during the session on Right to Information Act at IICM Ranchi. x) Rationalization of existing contract management manual.

xi) Referring cases to CTE’s examination. xii) Monitoring of court cases arising out of punitive vigilance action.

xiii) Undertaking System improvement studies.