Distinguish between bonafide and improper decisions: Sharma

The CBI has lodged a case against industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla and former coal secretary Parekh on charges of criminal conspiracy and corruption

There is a need to distinguish between "bonafide" and "improper" decisions so that bureaucrats are not punished after retirement, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said today, expressing concerns over possible fallout of FIR in the coal blocks allocation.

"A distinction must be made between bonafide decision and decisions which are improper. Retired civil servants who have taken bonafide decisions during their tenure do not deserve punishment post retirement. That would affect the decision making process and governance," Sharma said told reporters.

Asked whether the recent developments in coal block allocation case will lead to fear psychosis among bureaucrats and delay decision making, he said: "Yes I feel so."

The CBI has lodged a case against industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla and former coal secretary P C Parekh on charges of criminal conspiracy and corruption in connection with alleged irregularities in allocation of coal blocks eight years ago.

Sharma also said that the economy is going through a bad phase and "we have to ensure that we act in a manner which restores confidence of the industry and investors both domestic and foreign and we should not allow an atmosphere to be created which vitiates the economic climate".

Citing the CAG report on spectrum allocation made in 2008, he said: "First it was CAG which made the shocking claims of presumptive losses... The constitutional bodies have to be balanced and whatever they say should be in proportion to what actually is the ground realty."

He said because of that report telecom sector got hurt and only few players participated in the spectrum allocation.

"...The judiciary stepped in even before the Parliament took cognisance. So over-reach whether by CAG... Judiciary have to take note, if there is something very serious...

"But we also have to bear in mind that it is the nation which bears the painful economic consequences that is why I am talking of very careful analysis of any view any decision and judgement," Sharma said.