AK Patnaik, Deputy C&AG, says: "We have got the mandate as per Constitution. All reports as per the norms. None of the captive mines allotted after 2004 have started producing, which is a major concern. The captive mines were given to increase coal output in the country. The Rs 1.86 lakh crore is an illustrative figure. CAG has taken into consideration inputs given by the Coal Ministry. Appropriate action at some point of time would have improved the situation."
CAG : Not blaming anybody. No where in any report, we have blamed anyone. We have put our observations on implementation of Government policy. CAG is not questioning the policy. In the Coal allocation report, CAG has taken June 2004, when competitive bidding policy was formulated as the cut-off date.