'Missing' coal block files: CPI(M) asks govt to explain

CPI(M) today demanded an explanation from the government on the 'missing' files pertaining to coal block allocation, saying it was a "very serious matter".
"At least 60 files are reportedly missing. It has come to light following the CBI investigations into the coal scam. It is a very serious matter. Many agencies, including the Prime Minister's Office, have been involved (in the files)," CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat told reporters here.
He said the government should explain as to how the crucial files had gone missing. "There are ongoing investigations. We hope the government comes out with an explanation."
Maintaining that the Food Security Bill was "flawed and insufficient to meet the requirements of ensuring food security for all citizens," he said as there were several amendments moved by Left and other MPs on common issues, the government should accept them.

"If the present bill is passed, there will be several states which will be adversely affected. States like Tamil Nadu and Kerala have much better coverage of public distribution system than proposed in this bill," Karat said.
Observing that the rupee has breached the Rs 62 mark against US dollar, the CPI(M) leader lambasted the government for the "crisis manifested by the steep fall" in rupee value, saying this was an outcome of the government's "economic mismanagement and the neo-liberal policies."

He said the "deteriorating" economic situation was reflected in the slowdown in growth, contraction in industrial production, continuing high inflation and the widening current account deficit on the balance of payments "which has resulted in the steady depreciation of the value of the rupee".

These conditions, Karat said, have led to the relentless price rise with the prices of food items like vegetables shooting up. Petrol prices have been hiked five times in seven months amounting to over Rs 7.30 per litre, while falling industrial production has led to more joblessness, he said.
Noting that the government was seeking to overcome this crisis by attracting more FDI and giving more concessions to MNCs and Indian big business, he said the growing dependence on foreign flows and FDI will only worsen the problem.