Question : TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM OF COAL

(a) whether the Government has received any report from a Group of MPs in respect of the transportation system of coal prevailing in SECL;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether several irregularities have been reported which include the monopoly activity of a few ESM companies and one private player M/s Aryan Coal Benefication Ltd.(ACB), which are operating in Dipika & Gevra ruins of SECL;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) the steps taken by the Government in this regard; and

(f) the action taken by the Government against the irresponsible officer involved in the matter?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COAL (DR. DASARI NARAYANA RAO)

(a)&(f) Yes, Sir. A Group of Members of Parliament was constituted to visit South Eastern Coalfields Limited and make suggestions on inadequacies if any in the systems and operation of SECL and particularly, in respect of coal loading and transportation. The Group of MPs visited the SECL on 3-4 April, 2007 and has submitted its report. The Committee has opined that the system of transportation of coal in the SECL needs to be reviewed and has made some recommendations. The report of the Committee is under consideration of Government.