The Union Coal Ministry has stepped in following the cancellation of tenders for the Naini coal mine in Telangana, which had sparked widespread controversy. The Ministry has dispatched a two-member technical committee to investigate the proceedings at Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) and determine the circumstances that led to the tender cancellations. The tender, originally issued on November 28, 2025, was for the development, operation, and selection of a Mine Developer and Operator (MDO) for the Naini coal mine in Odisha.
The committee comprises Deputy Director General Chetan Shukla and Technical Director Marapalli Venkateswarlu, who arrived at SCCL’s Hyderabad office to begin the investigation. They have been directed to collect all relevant documents pertaining to the Naini tender and CSR fund approvals, including past orders and correspondence. The Ministry has emphasized that the report should be submitted within three days, highlighting the urgency and sensitivity of the matter.
SCCL headquarters is located in Kothagudem, but key policy and administrative decisions are made at the Hyderabad office. For this reason, the committee is conducting its probe in Hyderabad. Officials were instructed to present all documents related to CSR fund allocation, tender procedures, and past approvals immediately, leading to heightened activity at the offices. The probe also includes scrutiny of the mine visit certificates required for tender submission and whether any undue influence or favoritism affected the process.
The Ministry has outlined four key areas for the investigation: the reasons behind the Naini tender cancellation, comparison of SCCL’s MDO selection and operational procedures with other coal companies such as Coal India and Mahanadi Coalfields, examination of CSR fund utilization, and an overall review of compliance with regulations. The committee is also looking into allegations that some CSR fund approvals were influenced by political recommendations.
The inquiry aims to ensure transparency, accountability, and adherence to regulations in SCCL operations and the tendering process. Officials and staff have been put on alert to provide all required information, and the committee’s findings are expected to clarify the reasons for the tender cancellation and guide future coal mining and CSR practices within the company.