Telangana Coal Mining Row: Bhatti Vikramarka Cancels Naini Tender, Orders Fresh Bids
Telangana Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka cancels the Naini coal block tender after controversy involving IAS officers and alleged tender manipulation. Fresh tenders to be called by Singareni.
In a major development, Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka on Friday announced the cancellation of the Naini coal block tender, directing Singareni Collieries to call for fresh tenders. The decision comes amid a serious controversy involving alleged manipulation of tender conditions and a slanderous episode targeting women IAS officers.
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The Naini coal block tender cancellation in Telangana has now triggered widespread political and administrative debate across the state.
How the Naini Coal Block Issue Escalated
The Naini coal block located in Odisha is owned by Singareni Collieries Company Limited and is considered highly valuable due to its long-term mining potential.
Key points that led to the crisis include:
- Mining rights were earlier stalled due to objections during the previous government
- After the change in government, the coal block tender process was revived
- Mining rights spanning 25 years made the tender financially lucrative
Allegations of Tender Manipulation
As the tender process resumed, new players entered the fray, leading to serious allegations:
- Formation of joint ventures with large infrastructure firms due to lack of mining experience
- Claims that tender conditions were redesigned to favour a particular joint venture
- Introduction of a mandatory field visit certificate, allegedly issued selectively
- Resulting in limited eligibility, blocking experienced mining companies
These developments raised red flags within political and bureaucratic circles.
IAS Officers Dragged Into Controversy
The situation took a disturbing turn when:
- Slanderous stories allegedly targeted women IAS officers
- Reports suggested internal pressure on media professionals
- A woman IAS officer was hospitalised after allegedly consuming sleeping pills
The incident led to:
- Strong protest by AIS officers
- Formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT)
- Arrest of journalists and rising tension within the administrative system
Deputy CM Orders Cancellation, Fresh Tenders
Following mounting pressure and administrative unrest:
- Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka announced cancellation of the Naini coal block tender
- Singareni was instructed to issue fresh tenders transparently
- Senior officers refused to overlook the seriousness of the allegations
The move is seen as an attempt to restore credibility to the Telangana coal mining tender process.
What Lies Ahead
While the tender has been cancelled, attention has now shifted to the SIT investigation, which is expected to determine:
- Responsibility for tender manipulation
- The origin of the defamatory campaign
- Accountability of officials and intermediaries
The Naini coal block controversy in Telangana, involving mining rights, bureaucratic dignity, and political influence, is far from over and is expected to have long-term implications.
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