Telangana Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka Refutes Misinformation About Singareni

Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka launched a fierce defense of Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) on Saturday, condemning what he characterized as a coordinated misinformation campaign against the state-owned coal mining company.

During a press conference, Bhatti expressed outrage over what he described as fabricated narratives designed to tarnish SCCL’s reputation and undermine worker morale at one of India’s largest public sector undertakings.

“There appears to be a deliberate attempt to spread falsehoods that damage Singareni’s standing and self-respect,” Bhatti told reporters. “We must question who benefits from these unfounded allegations and what their true motivations are.”

The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted a suspicious pattern in recent events, noting connections between seemingly coordinated actions. “One person wrote an article, another wrote a letter, and yet another ordered an inquiry. What links these three actions?” he questioned, suggesting a calculated effort to target the organization.

At the heart of the controversy is a procurement rule requiring site visits for tender participants—a standard practice that Bhatti insists was implemented well before the current government took office. The Deputy Chief Minister emphasized that SCCL operates autonomously, with its management making independent operational decisions.

Bhatti welcomed the involvement of Union Minister G Kishan Reddy, who recently ordered an inquiry into SCCL’s practices. “We have nothing to hide. In fact, this investigation will help reveal the truth and expose those spreading misinformation,” he stated.

The procurement regulation in question requires potential contractors to physically visit project sites before submitting bids—a practice Bhatti defended as common across numerous public and private sector organizations. He specifically cited Coal India’s adoption of similar requirements in 2018 and NMDC’s implementation in 2021, noting that SCCL only followed suit in 2023 based on Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI) guidelines.

“Neither I nor Congress was in power when these policies were established elsewhere,” Bhatti pointed out, dismantling claims that the rule was introduced after his appointment. He named several organizations that follow identical procedures, including Indian Railways, Hindustan Copper, Gujarat Industries Power Company, and various Maharashtra government departments.

SCCL holds significant importance in Telangana’s economy as the largest government-owned coal mining corporation in southern India. Operating primarily in the northern Telangana districts, it employs over 48,000 workers and contributes substantially to the state’s revenue through coal production that powers thermal electricity plants across southern India.

The controversy emerges against the backdrop of India’s broader coal sector challenges, including increasing pressure to balance energy security with environmental concerns. As the third-largest coal producer in India after Coal India Limited and Neyveli Lignite Corporation, SCCL’s operations remain critical to the country’s energy infrastructure.

Industry analysts note that public sector mining companies often face heightened scrutiny regarding procurement practices and operational transparency. The allegations against SCCL come at a time when India’s coal industry is navigating complex transitions related to modernization, environmental compliance, and labor practices.

Bhatti’s forceful defense signals the political significance of SCCL in Telangana, where the company has historically been a point of regional pride and a major employer. The Deputy Chief Minister concluded by expressing confidence that the upcoming investigation would vindicate SCCL’s procurement practices and expose what he called a “false narrative” being propagated by certain interests.

As the inquiry proceeds, stakeholders across the mining sector will be watching closely to see how this controversy might impact public perception of procurement standards and transparency measures in India’s state-owned enterprises.