Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Now CAG Mr. Vinod Rai Also Confrms Views That Corruption Starts From Top

Root out corruption to improve standard of administration: CAG
Press Trust of India / Shillong November 06, 2012, 14:35
(Published in Business Standard )

India will not be able to raise the standards of efficiency in administration unless corruption in high places is not destroyed and nepotism and black marketing is rooted out, Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) Vinod Rai said today.

The CAG also noted that citizen groups have become very discerning and more demanding.

"Unless we destroy corruption in high places, root out every trace of nepotism, love of power, profiteering and black marketing which have spoilt the good name of this country in recent times, we will not be able to raise the standards of efficiency in administration as well as in the production and distribution of the necessary goods of life," he said quoting the speech of first Vice President S Radhakrishnan on the eve of India's Independence, towards midnight on August 14, 1947.

he CAG was addressing the 20th convocation of the North Eastern Hills University here which conferred degrees to 8,035 students including 94 who received doctorate degrees in various disciplines.


Reminding the students that there are great opportunities ahead in their career, Rai warned that "when power outstrips ability, we will fall on evil days."

He said, today the issues of ethics, accountability, probity and transparency have come at centre stage.

"Citizen groups have become very discerning and more demanding. What was earlier the silent and hence probably the suffering majority has begun to speak up," the CAG said, adding, "Time has come when we will all be held responsible for our actions, the way the foundation of an ideal society are laid." (MORE)
http://www.business-standard.com/generalnews/news/root-out-corruption-to-improve-standardadministration-cag/76609/


CAG for constitutional status to CBI, CVC

Cancel 8 coal mines to PSUs, deduct bank guarantee of two: IMG

NEW DELHI: Published in Economic times 

Stepping up action against erring PSUs which failed to develop coal mines, the Inter-Ministerial panel on coal blocks has recommended de-allocation of eight such blocks after scrutiny of 19 cases. 

The panel, whose earlier recommendation for de-allocation of 13 mines to private firms has already been accepted by the government, has also asked for imposition of bank guarantee in six cases and deduction in two cases. 

"The Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) reviewed 19 coal blocks allotted to public sector firms in the last two days. It has recommended for de-allocation of eight mines and deduction of bank guarantee in two cases," a government official told PTI. 

In six cases, it has recommended for imposition of bank guarantee, the official said. 

"Among the blocks recommended for de-allocation are Mandakini, Utkal- D and Touli-Paharpur," he said added that the remaining 14 cases would be examined by theIMG post-Diwali. 

Utkal-D coal block in Odisha was allotted to Orissa Mininig Corporation (OMC) in December 2003 whileMandakini block was given to Assam Mineral Development Corporation. 

Another block which has been de-allocated is Shankarpur/Bhatgaon II & Extension block in Chhattisgarhalloted to Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation in 2007. 

The block in Bisrampur Coalfields has a geological reserve of 80 million tonnes (MT). 

The decision to de-allocate the blocks followed marathon meetings on November 5 and 6 by the IMG, which has so far reviewed 19 out of 33 cases. 

The IMG on October 9 and 10 had examined 33 coal blocks allocated to public sector firms including Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation, NALCO and MMTC which were issued notices for delay in production. 

The panel has already concluded the scrutiny of 31 coal blocks allotted to 51 private firms and last month the government had accepted its recommendations for de-allocation of 13 mines and deduction of bank guarantees of 14 allottees. 

A total of 58 mines were issued show-cause notices for their failure to develop blocks within stipulated timeline.

The government had formed the IMG in July to review progress of coal blocks allocated to firms for captive use. 

The CAG had estimated that undue benefits to the tune of Rs 1.86 lakh crore might accrue to private firms on account of allocation of 57 mines to them without auction.



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