1. Union Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy forms a 2-member technical committee to investigate Naini coal block tender irregularities within 3 days.
2. Committee to also scrutinize ₹100 crore CSR spending on Lionel Messi’s Hyderabad visit and check rule violations.
3. Move follows Metro India’s exposés; aims to expose backroom players and protect Singareni from potential ₹5,000 crore loss.

Union Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy has expressed strong outrage over the recent controversy surrounding the Naini coal block tender in Telangana's Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), a key asset for the state. The tender, which has sparked intense debate in recent days, was allegedly tailored to benefit a select few, leading to a direct clash between prominent leaders and media houses. In response, Telangana's Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka cancelled the tender and directed officials to redesign it afresh.

Opposition leaders, including Harish Rao and BJP representatives, have demanded a thorough investigation into the scandal, highlighting potential irregularities under the Congress government's watch. They allege that the tender could result in a massive Rs. 5,000 crore loss to Singareni and call for identifying and punishing those behind the scenes, including officials and influential figures. They also urged the central government to intervene.

Reacting promptly, Minister Kishan Reddy stepped in, condemning the irregularities and vowing no leniency for those involved—be it wrongdoers, collaborators, or officials. He has constituted a two-member technical committee to delve into the matter technically and factually. The committee must submit a comprehensive report within three days.

The Union Coal Ministry issued orders appointing Deputy Director General Chetan Shukla and Director (Technical) Marapalli Venkateshwarlu as members. The team is tasked with immediately visiting Singareni's headquarters to scrutinize the Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) issued on November 28, 2025.

Key focus areas include what exactly happened in the tender process, how rules were overlooked or altered, and by whom. Reasons for the tender's cancellation. Comparison of Singareni's Mine Developer and Operator (MDO) tender norms with those followed by other coal companies, identifying any discrepancies.

Scrutiny on CSR Funds: Messi's visit under the lens

In addition to the tender probe, the committee will examine whether Singareni's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds have been spent in line with regulations. This includes a specific review of the Rs. 100 crore expenditure on football legend Lionel Messi's recent visit to the state. Questions arise about how much Singareni contributed, the manner of spending, compliance with norms, and any lapses. This move signals the central government's intent to address Messi's tour expenses, which has drawn criticism for potentially misusing public funds.

Minister Kishan Reddy's directives appear to target two major controversies simultaneously through a single committee. First, uncovering the forces behind the tender irregularities and ensuring accountability to prevent corruption. Second, exposing the true motives and handling of CSR funds for Messi's event. By combining these in one order, the investigation aims to reveal hidden players and restore integrity to Singareni.

This approach not only addresses the allegations but also builds confidence among the public and Singareni's 40,000 employees and workers by safeguarding the company's interests.

Metro India’s coverage sparks action

The developments follow a series of investigative articles in Metro India, which exposed deep-seated issues in the tender process. While other media initially framed the story as a covert battle between media entities or internal political rivalries, Metro India focused on factual irregularities, such as: How pre-qualification norms were altered. Suspicions of involvement by officials and leaders. Potential Rs. 5,000 crore loss to Telangana's "golden goose," Singareni.

These articles also highlighted the Messi's event: Rs. 100 crore from Singareni funds was used, yet the program seemed like Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's personal initiative. Notably, no Singareni CMD, directors, or central government representatives (despite their 49% stake) participated, raising further questions about transparency and benefit to the company.

Such coverage reached Minister Kishan Reddy, prompting his decisive response. Metro India emphasized the need for central intervention to correct wrongs before escalation, protect Singareni, and hold accountable those responsible.

By appointing the technical committee at the right moment, Minister Kishan Reddy has signalled zero tolerance for corruption in his ministry. His immediate actions on allegations within Singareni's purview have been widely appreciated. The probe into both the tender scam and CSR misuse could put a full stop to the irregularities, exposing all key players.

With the report due in just three days, all eyes are on what revelations it will bring and the subsequent steps.

Two-member team to visit Singareni HQ

In response to recent developments surrounding the Naini Coal Block, the Ministry of Coal, Government of India, has constituted a two-member technical team to carry out a thorough examination of the tender process for appointing a Mine Developer and Operator (MDO).

The formation of the team comes on the specific directions of the Union Minister of Coal, G. Kishan Reddy, following the cancellation of the Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) that was issued on November 28, 2025, for the Naini Coal Block being operated by Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL).

The technical team comprises two senior officials from the Ministry of Coal: Chetna Shukla, Deputy Director General, and Marapally Venkateshwarlu, Director (Technical/Non-Allied). The team has been tasked with visiting the SCCL Headquarters without delay to conduct detailed discussions and collect all relevant records and information.

The primary mandate of the team is to analyse the NIT dated November 28, and pinpoint the exact reasons and procedural factors that ultimately led to the cancellation of the tender process. In addition, the team will undertake a comparative study of the NIT format and MDO outsourcing practices followed by SCCL vis-à-vis those adopted by other major coal producing companies in the country.

Another key area of review assigned to the team is to assess whether SCCL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) spending pattern and the quantum of funds allocated are fully compliant with the statutory provisions and guidelines in force.

The technical team has been instructed to submit a comprehensive report containing its findings, observations, and recommendations within three days of commencing its work. The Ministry of Coal reiterated its unwavering commitment to ensuring complete transparency, fairness, and adherence to all regulatory norms in the development and operation of coal blocks across the country.