Hyderabad: Union minister G Kishan Reddy asked Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy to inquire into the allegations on Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) urgency to assess whether the alleged irregularities have an element of truth and also see whether there are adequate safeguards, mechanisms and internal controls for effective function of SCCL.The union minister wrote a letter to Revanth Reddy on Saturday in the wake of several allegations on 40 lakh MT of coal disappearance worth Rs 1,600 crore and other financial mismanagement. BRS leaders T Harish Rao and KT Rama Rao made several allegations on the coal stocks, tenders, solar and other issues in the recent past. The BRS also asked the union ministers to look into the issues.The minister said the Singareni is a jointly owned coal company by the Centre and the state govt and has been providing livelihood to 40,000 employees and their families and contributing significantly to national coal production and consequently to the nation‘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 published relating to the disappearance of 40 lakh tonnes of coal, worth Rs 1600 crores, resulting in significant financial loss to the company. Given SCCL‘s current financial position due to unpaid dues exceeding Rs. 51,500 crores from the Telangana govt, these allegations could further hamper the financial stability of SCCL,” Kishan Reddy said.He said if such allegations, if not examined with alacrity and if not addressed promptly, may undermine SCCL’s financial position and impede its future growth and sustainability. “While undertaking such assessment, it may be prudent that consideration be given to use of technology-based monitoring tools and to put in place periodic review mechanisms to identify weaknesses at an early stage 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 said.The union minister urged personal intervention of CM in smooth operation of the company and welfare of the manpower engaged directly or indirectly.ends/
