(a) whether the Government proposes to review the
e-auction policy for sale of coal;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) whether any cost-benefit analysis has been done
before introduction of e-auction policy; and
(d) if so, the details and the outcome thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY COAL (SHRI SANTOSH BAGRODIA)
(a) to (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (A) TO (E) OF LOKSABHA STARRED
QUESTION NO. 437 FOR 23-04-2008.
(a): No, Sir. No such proposal is under consideration at present.
(b): Does not arise, in view of reply to part (a) above.
(c) & (d): In view of observations and directions of Hon`ble Supreme Court
in the case of M/s. Ashoka Smokeless Coal India Pvt. Limited and Ors -Vs- Union
of India and Ors, Government had constituted a Committee under the Chairmanship
of Secretary, Ministry of Coal to give recommendations on a coal distribution
policy. Based on recommendations of this Committee, Government approved the New
Coal Distribution Policy in October,2007. E-auction is part of this distribution
policy. While recommending introduction of revised scheme of e-auction for sale
of coal, Committee took into account various benefits associated with providing
certain quantity of coal for sale through e-auction.