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Politics

What Modi Government's White Paper Says About 15 Corruption Scams Of UPA Era

Nishtha AnushreeFeb 08, 2024, 05:55 PM | Updated 05:59 PM IST

Demonstrators stage a rally against UPA-2 scams in New Delhi. Photo credit: RAVEENDRAN/AFP/GettyImages  


The 'White Paper on the Indian Economy' presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlights "pervasive corruption" during 10 years of the UPA rule between 2004 and 2014. It lists a number of high-profile cases:

1. Coal Block Allocation: It shares the CAG estimate of a loss of Rs 1.86 lakh crore to the exchequer due to irregularities and corruption in the allocation of coal blocks by the government to private companies.

2. Commonwealth Games: It highlights that eight cases were filed regarding corruption, mismanagement and financial irregularities in the planning and execution of various projects related to Commonwealth Games.

3. 2G Telecom: It shares another CAG estimate of a loss of Rs 1.76 lakh crore to the potential revenue due to corruption in the allocation of 2G spectrum to telecom companies.

4. Saradha Chit Fund: This ponzi scheme is linked to Trinamool Congress and the White Paper says that funds were diverted for personal use and luring investors and the scam left millions of investors in financial distress.

5. INX Media Case: Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram and his son Karti Chidambaram are involved in the case. The White paper says that case involves money laundering and irregularities in foreign investment approval.

6. Aircel-Maxis: This case also involves the father-son duo. The White paper says that it has allegations of irregularities in the approval of foreign investment in a telecom company and illegal gratification.

7. Antrix-Devas Deal: The White Paper highlights the Supreme Court's confirmation in irregularities and corruption in a satellite deal beween Antrix Corporation, the commercial arm of ISRO and Devas Multimedia Pvt Ltd.

8. Land-for-jobs: The ED is currently questioning RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family in the case where allegations are of transfer of land or property in lieu of appointments in different zones of Railways.

9. Allotment/release of prime land in Panchkula and Gurgaon: Congress is linked to this case. The White Paper says that there was connivance with the private builders and charge sheets have been filed in trial courts.

10. J&K Cricket Association: It says the case involves the misappropriation of nearly Rs 44 crore by opening "bogus" bank accounts and the charge sheet has been filed.

11. The Embraer Deal: $208 million Embraer aircraft deal was signed in 2008 with Brazillian aerospace company. After investigation in corruption, bribery and kickbacks in purchase, charge sheet has been filed.

12. Pilatus Basic Aircraft Trainer: The White Paper says that the case involves corruption in procurement of 75 Pilatus basic aircraft trainer for the Indian Air Force in 2009.

13. Hawk Aircraft Purchase: It says that the case involves payment of bribery to unknown officers of Ministry of Defence between 2003 and 2012 in procurement of Hawk Aircraft.

14. Adarsh Housing Society Scam: It says that the case involves irregularities in allotment of apartments in a defence land project and is currently at the trial stage.

15. Augusta Westland Helicopter Scam: Christian Michel is accused of being a middleman in the Agusta Westland Scam and is said to have connection with Congress. The White paper says that kickbacks were paid in procurement.

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