NewsX@9 is a NewsX special show which debates the main news event of the day. A Comptroller and Auditor General or CAG report tabled in Parliament today states that 142 coal fields were allotted to private and state-run firms without transparency and objectivity between 2005 and 2009. The BJP-led opposition says since Prime Minister Manmohan Singh held charge of the coal ministry for part of that period, he should, "introspect and resign." The CAG in its report, tabled in Parliament, names 25 companies including Essar Power, Hindalco, Tata Steel, Tata Power and Jindal Steel and Power which have got the blocks in various states. The auditing body said it is "of strong opinion that there is a need for strict regulatory and monitoring mechanism to ensure that benefit of cheaper coal is passed on consumers". The concept of allocation of captive coal blocks through competitive bidding was announced in 2004. However, government is yet to finalise the modus operandi of competitive bidding. So we debate today - Should the Prime Minister take responsibility for the coal loot? We debate the question on the show and try to evolve consensus among our panelists over the issue. Watch this NewsX special NewsX@9.

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