January 29, 2013 / 16:46 IST
The government today said it has extended the last date for receipt of applications for allotting 17 coal mines to public sector firms.
"The Ministry of Coal has extended last date of receipt of applications for allocation of 17 coal blocks to the Government companies/undertakings from January 30, 2013 to February 8, 2013," an official statement said.
Initiating the process of allocation of mines, the Coal Ministry had in December 31 invited proposals from PSUs for allotment of mines to them, mostly for captive power plants.
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The development came in the wake of the government's repeated announcements to make policy for mines allotment transparent, following CAG terming potential losses of Rs 1.86 lakh crore to the exchequer on account of blocks allotment to 57 private firms without auction.
The Coal Ministry initiated the process of allocation of mines under the amended provisions of MMDR (Mines and Mineral Development and Regulation) Act and rules framed thereunder, the statement said.
In the first round, the Government proposes to allocate coal blocks to the government companies--Central and State for specific end use (power) and coal mining, it added.
The blocks on offer are: Jilga-Barpali, Baisi, Banai, Bhalmunda, Kente and Kerwa in Chhattisgarh, Gowa, Pachwara South and Kalyanpur-Badalpara in Jharkhand, Mahajanwadi in Maharashtra, Kundanali-Laburi, Sarapal-Nuapara, Tentuloi, Chandrabila and Brahamani in Odisha, Gandbahera-Uhhenia block
in Madhya Pradesh and Deocha-Pachami-Dewanganj-Harinsingha in West Bengal.
These blocks on offer have estimated reserves of 8.45 billion tonnes. Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
