(a) whether the mega initiatives taken by the Government to promote oil and gas sector are being executed as per schedule, if so, the details thereof; and
(b) whether the prospective domicile stakeholders including State-owned agencies, contending in the auction of 100 prospective mineral blocks as per the National Mineral Exploration Policy (NMEP) are capable of undertaking tapping oil resources within the country, if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
(SHRI DHARMENDRA PRADHAN)
(a) As per the schedule stipulated in Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP)/Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP), four bidding rounds have so far been finalized in which 94 exploration blocks have been awarded covering an area of approximately 1,36,790 sq. km. OALP Bid Round-V offering 11 blocks covering an area of approximately 19,800 sq. km. has also been launched on 14th January, 2020.
(b) Ministry of Mines has stated that no information/records are maintained regarding the prospective domicile stakeholders including State-owned agencies, contending in the auction of 100 prospective mineral blocks as per the National Mineral Exploration Policy (NMEP).
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