Press Information Bureau

Government of India

Ministry of Coal

10-December, 2012 13:16 IST

On the basis of recommendations of Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) constituted to undertake periodic review of the development of coal/lignite blocks, 15 coal blocks have been de-allocated during the year. Further, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered 3 Preliminary Enquiry cases regarding alleged irregularities in allocation of coal blocks-relating to allocation of coal blocks to private companies during the period 1993-2004 and 2006-2009 and a Preliminary Enquiry relating to allocation of coal blocks to Government companies, as evidenced by the documents/files and details sought by them from the Ministry. In the case related to allotments to private companies during 2006-09, 9 FIRs have been lodged by CBI so far.

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Coal, Shri Pratik Prakashbapu Patil in a written reply in Rajya sabha today.

 

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NCJ/RV

 

Cancellation of coal block allocations followed administrative review and triggered preliminary enquiries into alleged allocation irregularities. De-allocation of coal blocks was effected on recommendations of an Inter Ministerial Group reviewing coal and lignite block development, while separate Preliminary Enquiry proceedings were registered into alleged irregularities in past allocations to private and public entities, with subsequent FIRs in some cases; this information was disclosed in a parliamentary reply.