Amid mounting controversy over substandard coal imports, the government insists the procurement process was transparent and free of fraud, even as quality concerns raise public debate.
Agriculture Minister K.D. Lal Kantha has acknowledged that there is truth in reports suggesting that recently imported coal stocks are of inferior quality. However, he firmly rejected allegations of fraud or corruption in the procurement process, stressing that no financial wrongdoing has taken place.
Speaking to the media, the Minister stated that under the current administration, coal tenders are awarded through a transparent procurement framework, moving away from what he described as the old system. He noted that in the past, Cabinet level decisions often determined tender awards, but that practice is no longer in operation. According to him, new suppliers secured the latest coal tender under revised procedures designed to enhance accountability and good governance.
Addressing the issue of substandard coal supply, the Minister explained that contractual safeguards are in place. These include specific formulas and recovery mechanisms agreed upon with the relevant institutions to compensate the government for any financial losses caused by inferior coal shipments. He emphasized that while quality concerns may exist, no theft or corruption has occurred, and corrective action is being implemented.
Responding to opposition allegations, Lal Kantha remarked that criticism is part of political discourse. He argued that some accusations lack factual grounding and would eventually be disproven. The Minister responsible for the energy portfolio has already clarified the matter in Parliament, he added, dismissing claims that the country risks sliding backward due to energy sector mismanagement.
He concluded by noting that the government continues to navigate economic recovery in line with International Monetary Fund agreements and urged the public to view political criticisms within context.
