(a) whether there are reports of missing files and delay in providing related documents
to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the probe into the coal
blocks allocation scam;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Ministry thereto;
(c) the action taken by the Ministry against the erring officials in this regard; and
(d) the steps being taken by the Ministry to extend full cooperation to the CBI in the
investigation?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COAL (SHRI PRATIK PRAKASHBAPU PATIL)
(a) to (d): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered 3 Preliminary
Enquiry (PE) cases regarding alleged irregularities in allocation of coal blocks –
relating to allocation of coal blocks to private companies during the period 2006-09,
relating to allocation of coal blocks to private companies during the period 1993-2004
and relating to allocation of coal blocks to Government companies.
The CBI after registering the PEs has since requisitioned files/documents/applications/
feedback forms/agenda forms etc. in original from the Ministry of Coal. So far more
than 700 files/folders/application forms/agenda booklets/feedback forms etc., in
original, have been handed over to the CBI for investigation. Further about 30 files
are kept ready for handing over to the CBI. Some of the old files/documents primarily
pertaining to the applications received prior to 2004 are not readily available in the
Ministry. Efforts are made to make them available by writing to Coal India Limited,
Central Mine Planning & Design Institute (CMPDI) and Ministry of Steel. A team from
Ministry of Coal also visited to CMPDI recently and has collected old applications in
respect of about 10 companies which are also kept ready for handing over to CBI. As
such, Ministry of Coal has extended full cooperation to CBI in the matter.