Mahua Moitra requested questions in opposition to Adani to favour Hiranandani after getting bribes, says advocate: Here is a listing of what she requested and the response by govt

On fifteenth October, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Lok Sabha MP Nishikant Dubey levelled critical allegations in opposition to Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra. Based on the grievance filed by advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai, Dubey alleged that businessman Darshan Hiranandani paid for a lot of the questions requested by Moitra within the Lok Sabha in money and presents.

OpIndia accessed a duplicate of the grievance filed by adv Dehadrai and cross-checked the questions talked about within the record that Dehadrai alleged have been to profit Hiranandani. Here is what these questions have been and the way they may have benefited the Hiranandani Group.

Regarding Paradip Port focusing on MoU between Adani, GAIL and IOC-H-Energy

The first query requested by Mahua Moitra was in July 2019 concerning Paradip port. The query focused the MoU between Adani, GAIL and IOC-H-Energy. It was alleged {that a} Hiranandani group firm was an occasion because it received a bid for the Paradip pure gasoline pipeline. [PDF of the question]

In the query to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Moitra requested to make clear the circumstances surrounding Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) initially signing an MoU with Paradip Port Trust for a gasoline terminal. It was later deserted in 2015. Furthermore, she sought info concerning GAIL and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOC)’s partnership with a personal entity to accumulate stakes in Dhamra Port, which was considerably costlier than the Paradip Port undertaking.

The ministry knowledgeable GAIL that it performed a feasibility examine in 2012 to ascertain an FSRU undertaking on the east coast of India. Two potential areas close to Dhamra Port and Paradip Port have been shortlisted. An MoU was signed with Paradip Port Trust in 2013, however in 2015, it was determined that establishing two competing LNG terminals in such shut proximity wouldn’t be financially viable. A non-binding MoU was signed in 2016 between Adani Petroleum Terminal, Dhamra LNG Terminal, IOCL, and GAIL. Still, the MoU expired in 2018 and didn’t contain capital expenditure from GAIL and IOCL.

Regarding service high quality of telecom service suppliers

In November 2019, Moitra requested a query in regards to the service high quality of telecom service suppliers. Notably, a Hiranandani firm named Yotta had employed a Jio govt a day after the query was raised. [PDF of the question]

In her query, she requested the ministry to offer the stats on the standard of the service supplied by the Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) in India. The info was hunted for the previous three years, damaged down by state, UT and TSP. She additionally sought historic knowledge on name drop charges together with the share of calls with good voice high quality categorised by TSP and site.

TRAI has been monitoring telecom service suppliers by means of Quality of Service rules. They now assess the efficiency of Cellular Mobile Services collectively for a License Service Area. The ministry supplied detailed statistics for the final three years.

Regarding the dealing with capability of Kolkata Port Trust

In November 2019, Moitra requested a query concerning the dealing with capability of Kolkata Port Trust. Notably, the Hiranadani group had entered right into a MoU with KPT, and due to this fact, it was an occasion within the matter. [PDF of the question]

She requested the Ministry of Shipping to offer particulars on the cargo quantity and income that KPT earned categorised by cargo kind. Furthermore, she sought info concerning the measures that have been in place or deliberate by KPT to advertise port growth alongside Hooghly waterfront.

The ministry shared income particulars and clarified that the Kolkata Port Trust’s conservancy jurisdiction extends as much as 45.7 meters from the high-water mark throughout Spring Tide. However, not all of this space is owned by the port belief. The port belief has developed services in Haldia, Salukkhali, and Howrah and encourages non-public entities to make use of their riverfront land for shipbreaking at Kulpi.

Regarding verify posts alongside the India-Bangladesh border

In December 2019, Moitra requested the Ministry of Home Affairs in regards to the verify posts alongside the India-Bangladesh border. Notably, the Hiranandani Group has a big funding in Bangladesh, making the group an alleged beneficiary within the question. [PDF of the question]

The MP requested the ministry to offer info on the growth of built-in verify posts between West Bengal and Bangladesh. She additionally requested to incorporate info on the progress of every undertaking. Furthermore, she sought info concerning the standing of the settlement between India and Bangladesh to allow the free motion of vans to reinforce commerce.

The ministry knowledgeable that India established an Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Petrapole in West Bengal in Feb 2016. The authorities permitted 5 extra ICPs in Dec 2018. The ICPs are to be established at Ghojadanga, Changrabandha, Fulbari, Mahadipur, and Hili. The West Bengal authorities assessed land availability. In June 2015, Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, and Nepal signed a Motor Vehicle Agreement to facilitate automobile motion.

Regarding the settlement between a personal entity, Paradip Post and GAIL

In December 2019, she raised a query concerning the settlement between a personal entity, Paradip Port and GAIL. She questioned if the CVC tips have been adopted for the tendering course of. Notably, the allegations have been repeated within the Hindenburg report. Furthermore, the Hirandani Group has been attempting to attach ports on the east coast with Bangladesh. The presence of Adani Group, the non-public entity, within the space hinders Hiranandani’s plans. [PDF of the question]

Her inquiry aimed to assemble info on whether or not any agreements value Rs. 46,500 crore have been made with a personal entity after lengthy techno-commercial negotiations. If such agreements exist, she requested for the title of the entity and the procurement tips of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) that have been adopted. Furthermore, she sought particulars on an settlement between GAIL and the government-owned Paradip Port for a Rs. 2,500 crore undertaking, together with the explanations behind the settlement.

The Ministry knowledgeable that Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) wanted to comply with the federal government, Department of Public Enterprises, and Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) tips whereas awarding contracts or making agreements. However, within the case of GAIL, there was no binding settlement signed with the Board of Trustees of the Paradeep Port Trust (PPT) for the undertaking. Instead, a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on twenty sixth October 2013, which later expired on twenty sixth January 2017.

Regarding KPT’s jurisdiction on waterway

In March 2020, Moitra requested one other query concerning Kolkata Port Trust. Hiranandani Group has an settlement with the KPT. [PDF of the question]

In her query, she sought info concerning the jurisdiction of KPT over a considerable waterway. She questioned if the insurance policies and procedures of KPT hindered the event of ports alongside the Hooghly River Waterfront. She additionally requested if KPT had restricted land for the longer term growth of the ports and what steps the Ministry of Shipping was taking to make sure KPT and the Inland Waterways Authority of India have been aligned to advertise growth within the space.

The ministry knowledgeable that Kolkata Port Trust has sufficient land for additional port actions, and it’s strategically positioned on National Waterway-1. Over three years, they awarded 14 tasks value Rs 1,902.95 crores, rising its capability to 82.57 MTPA. It generated a internet surplus of Rs 65 crores after a 10-year hole.

Regarding 5G readiness within the nation

In February 2021, she requested a query in regards to the 5G readiness of the nation. Notably, Hiranandani Group’s firm Yotta had utilized for a Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite license, making it an alleged direct beneficiary of the query. [PDF of the question]

In her query, she requested the Ministry of Communication to offer info on India’s 5G readiness and the anticipated timeline for the nationwide rollout of the providers. Furthermore, she requested for the small print of the supply of the required fibre community and steps taken by the federal government to ascertain a nationwide fibre optics community for the rollout of 5G providers, together with in rural areas.

The ministry knowledgeable that the 5G providers rollout was deliberate progressively, using the present optical fibre cable community. Telecom Service Providers and Infrastructure Providers Category-I have been liable for laying optical fibre cables and buying spectrum by means of auctions primarily based on their enterprise methods. The authorities concurrently applied the BharatNet Project for high-speed broadband connectivity in rural areas.

Regarding particulars of the proposed power codes

In February 2021, she requested the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change in regards to the proposed power codes that immediately impacted the development enterprise of Hiranandani Group. [PDF of the question]

In her query, she requested the ministry in regards to the goals of the India Cooling Action Plan, together with implementing constructing power codes. Details on the prices, impacts, and timeline for brand new requirements have been sought.

The ministry knowledgeable that the India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) aimed to scale back cooling demand by means of higher know-how, refrigerant transition, and power effectivity over 20 years. ICAP advisable integrating related ECBC provisions in business buildings and selling ECBC-R in housing tasks for thermal consolation. As of Dec 2020, 17 States/Union Territories included ECBC into bylaws and have been anticipated to save lots of 150 bn models by 2037-38.

Regarding FPI Investment

In July 2021, she requested the Ministry of Finance in regards to the Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) holding stakes in Adani Group firms. Notably, it led to the SEBI investigation in opposition to the Adani Group. It has been alleged that the directions for the query got here immediately from Hiranandani to the MP. [PDF of the question]

The Minister of Finance was requested to reveal the final word useful possession of FPIs holding stakes in Adani Group firms. The inquiry additionally requested for info on the continuing investigations, if any, of FPIs or Adani entities by regulatory authorities equivalent to SEBI, IT, ED, DRI, or MCA for probably suspicious transactions. The request additionally sought clarification on the standing of three frozen funds: ALBULA INVESTMENT FUND LTD, CRESTA FUND LTD, and APMS INVESTMENT FUND LTD, with particular reference to their standing within the case of Adani firms.

The Ministry knowledgeable that as of thirtieth June 2021, six Adani Group firms have been traded on Indian inventory exchanges. The holdings of FPIs in these firms have been topic to each day fluctuations. SEBI was investigating sure Adani Group firms for compliance with rules, whereas the DRI was investigating particular entities related to the group. No investigations have been reported underneath the Income Tax Act, and the ED was not conducting any investigations. SEBI issued an order in June 2016 directing depositories to freeze particular beneficiary accounts of sure FPIs, together with Albula Investment Fund Ltd., Cresta Fund Ltd., and APMS Investment Fund Ltd., regarding issuances of GDRs. No such order had been issued for different beneficiary accounts of those three FPIs.

Regarding Solar Energy Corporation of India’s tenders

In July 2021, she requested the Minister of New and Renewable Energy in regards to the tenders of the Solar Energy Corporation. It has been alleged that the query aimed to profit Hiranandani Group’s firm, Yotta, to energy knowledge centres by means of renewable power in 2020. [PDF of the question]

In her query, she requested for details about the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) issuing tenders for Round-the-Clock (RTC) inexperienced energy, associated explicitly to coal-combined renewable power versus pure gas-combined renewable power. Furthermore, she requested for the small print and causes for this choice. Additionally, she requested in regards to the authorities’s plans for a complete inexperienced transition technique with a selected deal with inexperienced energy and requested to offer associated particulars.

The Ministry knowledgeable that SECI issued a young for Round-The-Clock energy, combining renewable and non-renewable energy. The authorities goals to realize 175 GW of renewable energy by 2022 with a year-wise trajectory for Renewable Purchase Obligation to help the inexperienced energy transition.

Regarding steps taken by the federal government to manage the costs of metal

In July 2021, Moitra requested the Ministry of Steel in regards to the steps taken by the federal government to manage the costs of metal within the nation. Notably, Hiranandani’s actual property enterprise was a direct beneficiary of a decrease metal worth. [PDF of the question]

She requested the ministry to stipulate the federal government’s actions to scale back metal costs and make it extra inexpensive. They additionally requested about measures to decrease the costs of uncooked supplies, discourage exports, and encourage home use. Finally, they inquired about potential tariff reductions on metal imports if worth will increase persist.

The ministry knowledgeable that the metal sector was deregulated, permitting firms to make business choices concerning manufacturing and commerce. The authorities had taken steps to enhance the supply of iron and metal, together with mining reforms and rising metal manufacturing. In the 2021-22 Union Budget, customs duties on metal merchandise have been lowered, and anti-dumping and countervailing duties on particular metal merchandise have been revoked or briefly revoked.

Regarding city-wise gasoline distribution protection

In August 2021, Moitra requested the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in regards to the city-wise gasoline distribution protection. Notably, Hiranandani Group has a direct curiosity within the sector. [PDF of the question]

She requested the ministry for info concerning the demand for pure gasoline. Specifically, particulars in regards to the City Gas Distribution-Bid-5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 of PNG house connections and CNG stations, in addition to penalty system for deficiencies, and anticipated dates for a unified tariff nationwide and elimination of worth caps on gasoline advertising and marketing.

The ministry supplied particulars on the GA and entity-specific particulars of CGD networks approved in rounds 5-9. Non-compliance may end up in penalties underneath rules detailed have been additionally supplied. The ministry mentioned that the Board can decide growth exclusivity transparently and shield shopper pursuits. Furthermore, Unified tariff rules have been notified on twenty third November 2020, and the ministry mentioned the value ceiling would stay as they have been.

Regarding particulars of the gasoline pipeline by IOC, GAIL and H-Energy from West Bengal to Bangladesh

In August 2021, she requested the Ministry of External Affairs for info on IOC, GAIL and H-Energy gasoline pipelines from West Bengal to Bangladesh. A Hiranandani Group firm, H-Energy, was an occasion within the pipeline. [PDF of the question]

She requested the ministry to offer info on the newest standing of the proposed Shikarpur Integrated Check Post (ICP) in Karimpur, West Bengal. Furthermore, she questioned whether or not some other ICP was underneath growth in West Bengal and if IOC, GAIL, and H-Energy have been granted approvals by the PNGRB to assemble a pure gasoline pipeline to the Bangladesh border, with the approval particulars in every case.

The ministry replied that seven areas in West Bengal – Phulbari, Panitanki, Jaigaon, Ghojadanga, Mahadipur, Hili, and Changrabandha – have been chosen as potential Integrated Check Post (ICP) websites as a substitute of Shikarpur in Nadia District. However, land acquisition remains to be pending for development by the Land Ports Authority of India. In July 2019, Hoogly Pipelines Private Limited was approved by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) to construct a pure gasoline pipeline from Kanai Chhata to the Bangladesh border at Shrirampur. Additionally, PNGRB accepted the Central Government Authorization issued to GAIL for the Jagdishpur-Haldia-Bokaro-Dhamra Pipeline (JHBDPL) protecting elements of West Bengal.

Regarding the allocation of airports to the Adani Group

In August 2021, Moitra requested the Ministry of Civil Aviation about allocating airports to the Adani Group. The query was not solely a direct assault on the Adani Group, however the Hiranandani Group was additionally an occasion within the matter. [PDF of the question]

She sought info on the switch of six airports from AAI to Adani Group underneath a PPP mannequin, together with Adani’s request to invoke COVID-19 drive majeure, losses incurred by AAI, safety clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs, and if steps have been taken to guard private knowledge.

The ministry replied that AAI awarded Adani Enterprises Limited a 50-year lease to handle six airports in India underneath a PPP mannequin. Due to COVID-19, AEL requested extensions for the primary set of airports, however AAI had no monetary loss. AEL obtained safety clearance to function all airports with no plans for blacklisting.

Regarding KPT regarding RoRo boats and vessels getting caught

In February 2022, Moitra requested the Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways about RoRo boats and vessels getting caught in WB and different areas of the nation. Hiranandani group is an occasion because it has an settlement with Kolkata Port Trust. [PDF of the question]

In her query, she requested the ministry about RoRo barges and boats getting caught in West Bengal and different elements of India, in search of particulars on the issue, corrective measures taken by Kolkata Port Trust and the Inland Waterways Authority of India, and experiences of siltation in waterways.

The ministry knowledgeable that The Shyama Prasad Mookerjee Port and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) haven’t reported any incidents of RoRo barges or vessels getting caught. They keep an satisfactory draft for vessels by means of common upkeep dredging, computerized hydrographic surveys and river conservation works. The ministry added that this has resulted in a rise within the annual common draft whereas lowering the price and amount of dredged supplies.

Regarding the event of e-sport

In February 2022, Moitra requested the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports about growing E-Sports in India. Hiranandani Group was allegedly a direct beneficiary as its Tez Platforms is into E-Sports. [PDF of the question]

She requested the ministry in regards to the authorities’s response to experiences displaying India because the sixteenth largest E-sports market on this planet. She inquired in regards to the inclusion of E-Sports within the 2022 Asian Games, the federal government’s stance on E-Sports plans for nationwide rules, help for members within the Asian Games, and particulars on selling E-Sports in India.

The ministry replied that NSFs are primarily liable for selling and growing any sport, and the Ministry supplies monetary help to acknowledged NSFs for worldwide sporting occasions. Furthermore, the ministry mentioned that E-Sports is a acknowledged aggressive sport and is regulated underneath the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011.

Regarding the roadmap to section out diesel autos to get replaced by electrical, LNG

In February 2022, Moitra requested the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to offer the roadmap to section out diesel autos to get replaced by electrical LNG. Notably, it allegedly favoured Darshan as he needed to develop his LNG enterprise. [PDF of the question]

She requested the ministry in regards to the authorities’s plans to create a roadmap to shift diesel autos within the National Capital Region (NCR) to various modes like electrical, LNG, biogas, hydrogen, and so forth. They additionally requested for extra details about this plan.

The ministry replied that the federal government had issued notifications to advertise various gas applied sciences in transportation. This consists of retrofitting hybrid techniques to autos, emission norms for agricultural and development tools, and selling hydrogen as gas. Safety requirements for hydrogen gas cells have been addressed, together with a notification for an 18% hydrogen mix with CNG.

Regarding unbundling of GAIL

In March 2022, Moitra requested the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas in regards to the unbundling of GAIL. Interestingly, Darshan had mentioned on file that unbundling of GAIL was crucial. [PDF of the question]

Whether the federal government has taken any steps to unbundle Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL), Independent Transmission Systems Operator and Unified Tariff, she requested for the small print on this matter or a proof for not doing so. Additionally, she questioned whether or not the federal government knew that the non-unbundling of GAIL has resulted within the firm not paying Central Service Taxes for inter-state gross sales, which might probably result in income loss for each the Central and State Governments. The girl additionally sought details about any actions taken to deal with this situation or the explanations for not taking any motion if none had been initiated.

According to the federal government, the ministry mentioned that the Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) wouldn’t be unbundled. They had requested public suggestions on draft guidelines associated to the pure gasoline sector, together with the institution of a Transport System Operator (TSO) in June 2021. Additionally, the PNGRB (Determination of Natural Gas Pipeline Tariff) Second Amendment Regulations, 2020, have been applied on twenty third November 2020 to implement a Unified Tariff. The ministry added that GAIL follows a selected methodology in its pure gasoline commerce to make sure no earnings loss to the Central and State Governments.

Regarding misuse of central companies

In March 2022, Moitra requested the Ministry of Finance to offer info on the alleged misuse of central companies. Interestingly, the query was requested across the time when the Hiranandani group had witnessed IT raids. [PDF of the question]

She requested the ministry in regards to the Supreme Court’s warning to the ED concerning the PMLA’s utilization. She additionally inquired about adjustments to the PMLA, guidelines for ED’s seizure enforcement, and the federal government’s stance on reparation for harmless people whose property have been seized by the ED.

The ministry replied that the Supreme Court didn’t make any such feedback on PMLA. The ED has established tips for cash laundering investigations. If the property was not concerned in cash laundering, it should be launched to the rightful proprietor.

Regarding Adani-run Gangavaram port

In March 2023, she requested the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in regards to the Adani-run Gangavaram port. Interestingly, the Hiranandani Group was an affected occasion within the matter. [PDF of the question]

She requested the ministry in regards to the MoU between IOCL and APSEZ at Gangavaram Port. The inquiry sought particulars on the contract, approval by IOCL Board and Government nominees, any associated transactions, IOCL’s potential enterprise shift, expenses paid to Vizag Port, payment-related commitments, and annual funds and portions imported by IOCL to Vizag Ports for LPG services over the previous ten years.

In a reply, the ministry mentioned that Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) had signed a non-binding time period sheet with Gangavaram Port Limited (GPL) and Adani Gangavaram Port Pvt. Ltd. underneath Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) outlining the phrases for LPG import. The time period sheet was permitted by IOCL’s Chairman, not the Board. No transactions have occurred with GPL because the terminal is but to be commissioned, and no imports have occurred. The ministry added that no definitive settlement was in place, and the ultimate resolution to shift enterprise from Vizag port to Gangavaram Port relied on numerous elements.

Regarding Adani-run Dhamra Port

In March 2023, Moitra requested the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas about Adani-run Dhamra Port. Notably, the Hiranandani Group owns Haldia Port and needs to develop. Adani’s plans are thought-about a hindrance. [PDF of the question]

She requested the ministry about fee, take-or-pay clauses, deliberate imports, pipeline standing, complete capability, and tariffs for the Dhamra LNG terminal.

The ministry replied that GAIL and IOCL signed Tolling agreements with numerous LNG terminal operators, together with the Dhamra LNG terminal, specifying phrases equivalent to ACQ, make-up rights, and use-or-pay expenses. Each secured 1.5 and three.0 MMTPA Annual Contracted Capacity at Dhamra Terminal. The JHBDPL to Dhamra LNG Terminal pipeline was commissioned by the ministry.