Question : ALLOCATION OF COAL TO SMALL SCALE INDUSTRIES

(a) whether the Government has formulated any policy for providing coal linkage to small and medium scale industries based on coal;

(b) if so, the details of the quantity of coal allocated to various industries in the States including Jharkhand during each of the last three years and the current year;

(c) whether the Government has received complaints regarding closure of small and medium scale industries due to non allocation of coal to them;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the action taken/being taken thereon; and

(e) whether the Government proposes to amend the policy of allotment of coal to small and medium scale industries and, if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COAL (SHRI PRATIK PRAKASHBAPU PATIL)

(a): The New Coal Distribution Policy of October 2007, inter-alia, provides for distribution of coal to the consumers in small and medium sector across the country, whose requirement is less than 4200 tonnes per annum and who are otherwise not having access to purchase coal or conclude Fuel Supply Agreement (FSA). The quantity earmarked for distribution to such small and medium consumers is eight million tonnes annually. The earmarked quantity is to be distributed through State Government Agencies/Central Government Agencies or Industries Associations so notified by the respective State Governments, for which the agency/association so notified is required to enter into Fuel Supply Agreement (FSA) with the concerned coal company. The allocation of the quantity amongst the States is done on the basis of their consumption pattern in the past.

(b): A statement indicating the quantity of coal allocated to various States, including Jharkhand, during 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 and the current year is at Annexure.

(c) & (d): The concerned State Government has to ensure that the legitimate coal requirements of small and medium consumers located in their State are properly analysed and suitable action is taken for meeting the requirements, to the extent feasible. No specific complaint from the state nominated agencies about closure of any small and medium industry due to non-availability of coal has been reported.

(e): No, Sir.