The government was shaken by a scandal in 2012 over the distribution of coal blocks to private businesses. The country's financial watchdog, the Comptroller, and Auditor General discovered that the administration chose favorites and eschewed open and competitive bidding, which would have brought in significantly more income for a cash-strapped state. According to the CAG, India lost around 1.861 lakh crore in the process, all of which went to private corporations. It was the largest seam ever discovered in India's history.
After that, India's leading investigation agency, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), filed an FIR against Secretary PC Parakh of the coal ministry and businessman Kumar Mangalam Birla. In his almost three decades as a government servant, Parakh had built a solid reputation for ability and honesty. His final assignment in a distinguished career was as the chief official in the coal ministry. The FIR infuriated the civil service and business in India, and it was widely criticized by the country's intellectuals.
The coal seam isn't the only subject of the book. It also entails collaborating with some of India's most powerful leaders, beginning with Andhra Pradesh's chief ministers. It's about Mamata Banerjee, Shibu Soren, and Dr. Manmohan Singh, who was then Prime Minister, working in the coal ministry.
It's about the lessons Parakh had learned before meeting any of these dignitaries. It's a story full of never-before-seen details that will astound you.
An autobiography titled 'Crusader or Conspirator? Truths about Coalgate and other issues 'On April 14, 2014, former Coal Secretary PC Parakh's book was launched in New Delhi. The author claims in the book that Prime Minister Manmohan Singhis leading a government in which he has limited political power.
According to the author, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was unable to dissuade his junior ministers from opposing a move toward a transparent approach during the coal block auction process. He also stated that the coal fraud might have been prevented if the Prime Minister had pushed for changes like e-marketing and open coal block auctions.
PC Parekh said that Premchand's literary masterpiece Namak Ka Daroga inspired him to write a novel. Manas Publication is the publisher of the book.
