CAG is not the final word on coal blocks issue: Patel

While reacting to the alleged coal blocks allotment scam and deadlock in Parliament during the monsoon session over the issue, minister for heavy industries Praful Patel on Thursday said the CAG report is not the final finding in democracy and Parliamentary system.

Patel was speaking to media persons after the annual general meeting (AGM) of the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA). SK Jain took over as the new MCCIA president for 2012 to 2014 from immediate past president Abhay Firodia at the AGM.

Patel unfurled the MCCIA flag for the first time, which would be the new symbol of the chamber, and released a portal for agricultural exports. He released a study report of the food processing industry in Pune. MCCIA director general Anant Sardeshmukh and new secretary Deepak Karandikar were present on the dais.

Patel told media persons that the CAG report would go to the Public Accounts Committee and the figures on the loss to the nation would be verified by the committee. He said CAG does not investigate anything but presents its report and it is not the final finding. Making it clear that the government would explain the CAG remarks, Patel said, “No one can take away the government’s role of making policies in democracy.”

Addressing the MCCIA meeting, Patel said corporate bodies like the MCCIA should exert pressure on the political system to bring about consensus on certain issues. He said it was a matter of concern for both Parliamentary institutions and democracy if there was no consensus on any issue and every proposal is opposed for the sake of opposing it. He said that not only ministers and politicians at different levels, but even good-meaning bureaucrats are not taking any decision fearing allegations of one or the other kind.

Firodia said there was a need for furthering the economic liberalization and correction of fiscal policies should continue. He said globalisation and liberalisation were halfway through and it needed to be completed in all sectors of the economy.
Jain stressed upon the need for a new independent civil international airport for the city of Pune.

Sardeshmukh welcomed the guests and Jain proposed a vote of thanks.