Post 2G, country cannot afford coal gate scam: Subramanian

TSR Subramanian, former cabinet secretary, says that the CVC has clearly found prima facie need to look into ithe matter, not prima facie evidence. It is very important to understand that we have had scam after scam for the past few years. The need to clean up the system is now imperative.

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He also says that post 2G scam, he won't be surprised by any thing. 2G scam was disastrous enough and a coal gate of equal dimension will rock the country enormously, I don't think we can afford it. Below is the edited transcript of his interview to CNBC-TV18. Also watch the accompanying video. Q: How are you reading the development on CAG report and the CBI probe being ordered by the CVC on coal issue?
A: Looking into all aspects of this matter was inevitable whether it was a CBI, probe committee or something else. CAG has confirmed that irregularities have taken place. Once CAG makes a point, here the issue is one sense is corruption and undue benefits that is one side.
The other side of the issue is the loss to the exchequer, As I am informed, many of the companies which got coal blocks much like the way the telecom sold to the companies with a huge premia and therefore the benefits did not go to the public it went to 2G allottees. In one sense the inquiry is inevitable. Q: What does this really mean for the government and the PM? The government yesterday coming out saying that it wouldn’t dignify team Anna's allegations with a comment and today CBI probe is being ordered into this matter?
A: They are two separate things. I don't think anything has been proved as yet. This does not mean that any culpability or wrong doing has been found. Any question of resignation would emerge only after that. It is not team Anna, it is CAG which has different footing.
The CVC has clearly found prima facie need to look into it, not prima facie evidence. It is very important to understand that we have had scam after scam for the past few years.
The need to clean up the system is now imperative. I think the CAG, CVC are now coming into their own which is I think good news for the people of India. Q: Is it looking now eerily similar to what we saw happened with the 2G scam?
A: Post 2G scam, I won't be surprised by any thing. 2G scam was disastrous enough and a coal gate of equal dimension will rock the country enormously, I don’t think we can afford it.