NEW DELHI: The Coal Ministry has begun the process of allotment of mines to central and state public sector units, starting with the allotment of 36 coal blocks.
The Supreme Court had last year in September scrapped all but four of 218 coal blocks allocated by the government over the past two decades, in a tougher-than-expected ruling that sank shares of companies that have invested heavily in projects around the concessions.
The Supreme Court had last year in September scrapped all but four of 218 coal blocks allocated by the government over the past two decades, in a tougher-than-expected ruling that sank shares of companies that have invested heavily in projects around the concessions.
Most power, steel and cement companies that won blocks have until end-March to return them and the government then plans to auction them off. The previous practice of selective allocation was ruled illegal and arbitrary by the court.
Coal Secretary Anil Swarup said the ministry has started the process of coal allocation.Today, we are issuing a notification for allotment of 36 coal blocks. More mines would be added subsequently depending on the requirement. So, it will depend on the request we receive from state entities or the public sector undertakings in terms of allocation of coal blocks,” said Swarup.
