The Government has short-listed around 54 coal
blocks that would be put up on offer through the competitive bidding route.
The Government had recently short-listed credit
rating agency Crisil as consultants for putting in place a policy for
competitive bidding after it came under attack for offering coal blocks in a
non-transparent and biased manner, leading to windfall profits for private
players. A draft report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had
pointed an accusing finger at the Coal Ministry for allowing private players to
make huge profits at the cost of the exchequer.
Officials in the Coal Ministry said that out of 54
coal mines, a maximum of 16 had been earmarked for the power sector, 12 for the
steel sector, 12 for government firms, seven for the cement sector, five for
sponge iron and two for surface gasification.
“The coal blocks earmarked for power sector are
meant both for tariff-based bidding and central government companies engaged in
production of power. Further earmarking would be done in consultation with the
Ministry of Power and Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDIL),''
according to a document of the Ministry.
The reserves meant for government companies would
be allocated for commercial mining. Applications will be invited for allotment
of blocks after finalising the detailed terms and conditions. “Applications for
the blocks reserved for integrated steel for government companies shall be
separately circulated after finalisation of terms and conditions. The remaining
blocks meant for allocation through competitive bidding would be advertised
once the bidding documents are ready,'' it said.
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