'Coalgate, 2G, CWG... UPA regime marked by scams’: White Paper on economy by Nirmala Sitharaman

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday presented a White Paper outlining the government’s accomplishments over the past decade. The document also enlisted numerous scandals that happened during the UPA government before 2014. “There was pervasive corruption in various government activities, including procurement, allocation of natural resources, and regulatory approvals. Procurements vital for the nation’s security were also not free from corruption. The scams and corruption cases had shaken the confidence of the people. Following is the current status of some of the high-profile cases,” the White Paper said. Coal Block Allocation: This financial scandal involved irregularities and corruption in the allocation of coal blocks by the government to private companies for captive use, leading to an estimated loss of `1.86 lakh crore to the exchequer, as estimated by the CAG31. This came to light in 2012. The Supreme Court cancelled 204 such allocations. Final Reports have been filed in the Courts in 47 Cases, and 10 cases are under investigation. In 14 cases the accused have been convicted by the trial courts. The remaining cases are under trial. Commonwealth Games: The event was marred by widespread corruption, mismanagement, and financial irregularities in the planning and execution of various projects related to the games. Charge sheets were filed in 8 cases which are under trial in the courts of Delhi. 2G Telecom: This involved a loss of about `1.76 lakh crore of potential revenue to the government, as estimated by the CAG (at the rates paid for 3G spectrum). The corruption cases are in the appellate court. Saradha Chit Fund: This was a Ponzi scheme with the diversion of funds for personal use, and luring investors with the promise of high returns. The scam unfolded in 2013 when the group collapsed, leaving millions of investors in financial distress. INX Media Case: This case involved money laundering and irregularities in foreign investment approval for investment into a media company. It is under trial. Aircel-Maxis: The case involved allegations of Irregularities in the approval of foreign investment in a telecom company, and illegal gratification. The case is under trial. Antrix-Devas Deal: Irregularities and corruption in a satellite deal between Antrix Corporation, the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and Devas Multimedia Pvt. Ltd, and irregularities in the allocation of scarce S-band spectrum and wrongful gains to Devas Multimedia are the key elements of this case. The Supreme Court has confirmed the finding of fraud. A charge sheet for the criminal offence has been filed. Land for Jobs: The case involves obtaining pecuniary advantages in the form of transfer to land or property instead of appointments of substitutes in Group ‘D’ in different zones of Railways. Investigation is underway. Allotment/Release of Prime Land in Panchkula and Gurgaon: These are multiple cases relating to the release of prime land from acquisition in connivance with the private builders and allotment of industrial land to close associates. After investigation, charge sheets have been filed in trial courts. J&K Cricket Association: The case involves the misappropriation of nearly `44 crores by opening “bogus” bank accounts. After investigation, a charge sheet was filed. The Embraer Deal: The case is related to corruption, bribery and kickbacks in the purchase of aircraft from the Brazilian aerospace company Embraer. After investigation, a chargesheet was filed, and the case is pending in trial court. Pilatus Basic Trainer Aircraft: The case involves corruption in the procurement of 75 Pilatus basic trainer aircraft for the Indian Air Force in 2009. Hawk Aircraft Purchase: The case involves payment of bribery to unknown officers of the Ministry of Defence, during the period 2003 to 2012, in the procurement of Hawk Aircraft from M/s Rolls Royce plc, UK. The case is under investigation. Adarsh Housing Society Scam: This case involved irregularities in the allotment of apartments in a defence land project. It is at the trial stage. Augusta Westland Helicopter Scam: Kickbacks were paid in the procurement of helicopters