Centre takes steps to restart coal block auctions

To restart coal block auctions, the government will coax companies to return the de-allocated coal mines, a Power Ministry official has said.

Of the 61 coal blocks de-allocated by the government, only eight to nine have been returned. Besides, there are 94 court cases against the government orders filed by various allocatees. According to a Power Ministry official, the government will persuade companies to return the blocks to the government so that an auction process can be started.

The official said the blocks that firms have returned are insufficient for tendering and would not attract bids. “The auction process is stuck due to non-unavailability of worthwhile coal blocks.”

So far, the government has de-allocated 80 coal blocks on the recommendations of a review committee.