(a) the details of formalities for allocation of coal blocks to private as well as public sector companies;
(b) whether the Government is still processing applications for coal block allocation;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the number of companies applied/ involved in coal blocks allocation in the current financial year?
MINISTER OF STATE (I/C) FOR COAL, POWER AND NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)
(a) to (c): For management and reallocation of 204 coal mines/blocks cancelled by Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, Government has promulgated ‘the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Second Ordinance, 2014’ on 26.12.2014to ensure smooth transfer of rights, title and interests in the mines/blocks along with its land and other associated mining infrastructure to the new allottees to be selected through an auction or allotment to government company, as the case may be. The Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Rules, 2014 have also been notified on 11.12.2014. The allocation of coal blocks would now be made in pursuance oftheprovisions of Ordinance and Rules made thereunder. Tokeep the process transparent, the auction/allotment of coal mines has been conducted through e-auction mode on an electronic platform created by MSTC Limited (a Government of India enterprise) and no physical bids were accepted or considered. The Prospective bidderswererequired to get registered with the MSTC website and make a non-refundable payment of the prescribed application fee. However, this application fee is exempted for allotment to Government companies.
(d): The auction process was initiated on 25-12-2014 with the publication of first Notice Inviting Tenders (NIT) in newspapers. A total number of 245 applicants have been registered with the MSTC’s website to participate in the auction/allotment of coal mines till date.