White paper unraveling Congress Scandals: Conviction Rates under Modi's Governance

There are some major scams noted in the white paper released by the Modi government. However, the question arises: why have there been so few convictions during the Modi administration? I can only identify one case where some individuals have been convicted; for the rest, trials are still in progress, some taking more than a decade for a resolution. Is this due to bureaucrats not building proper cases or presenting evidence effectively? It's not convincing that while the government boldly accuses the opposition of numerous scams, it struggles to prosecute them effectively. This raises several questions:

1. Is bureaucracy inefficient?

2. Are bureaucrats not given clear targets for case completion?

3. Could higher authorities was negligent during the scams, do people have to wait till until their retirement?

This also highlights the need to reform the bureaucratic structure inherited from the British, which was designed to exploit India.

The scams listed in the white paper are as follows,. It's worth noting that partial convictions have been secured in the coal block allocation case.

1. Coal Block Allocation: This financial scandal involved irregularities and corruption in 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 allocations32 . 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. Remaining cases are under trial. 
2. Commonwealth Games: The event was marred by widespread corruption, mismanagement, and financial irregularities in planning and execution of various projects related to the games. Charge-sheets were filed in 8 cases which are under trial in courts of Delhi. 
3. 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)33 . The corruption cases are in the appellate court. 
4. Saradha Chit Fund: This was a ponzi scheme with 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.
5. INX Media Case: This case involved money laundering and irregularities in foreign investment approval for investment into a media company. It is under trial.
6.  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.
7.  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 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. Charge-sheet for the criminal offence has been filed.
8. Land for Jobs: The case involves obtaining pecuniary advantages in form of transfer to land or property in lieu of appointments of substitutes in Group 'D' in different zones of Railways. Investigation is underway.
9.  Allotment/Release of Prime Land in Panchkula and Gurgaon: These are multiple cases relating to 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. 
10. J&K Cricket Association: The case involves misappropriation of nearly `44 crores by opening "bogus" bank accounts. After investigation, charge-sheet has filed. 
11.  The Embraer Deal: The case is related to corruption, bribery and kickbacks in purchase of aircraft from the Brazilian aerospace company Embraer. After investigation, chargesheet was filed, and the case is pending in trial court. 
12. Pilatus Basic Trainer Aircraft: The case involves corruption in procurement of 75 Pilatus basic trainer aircraft for the Indian Air Force in 2009.
13. Hawk Aircraft Purchase: The case involves payment of bribery to unknown officers of Ministry of Defence, during the period 2003 to 2012, in procurement of Hawk Aircraft from M/s Rolls Royce plc, UK. The case is under investigation.
14.  Adarsh Housing Society Scam: This case involved irregularities in allotment of apartments in a defence land project. It is at the trial stage.
15.  Augusta Westland Helicopter Scam: Kickbacks were paid in procurement of helicopters.

The Modi government has taken significant steps in amending the IPC. However, it should also focus on reforming the bureaucracy to ensure efficient functioning and transform bureaucrats from mere administrators into service providers.