India: PSU’s Coal Block Allotment Applications open; Gare Palma most preferred

The ministry has received 69 applications from PSU’s such as NTPC, SAIL, NLC, NALCO including others for 36 coal blocks, which will be allotted to state and central public sector units.

Indian government had commenced the allotment process of 36 coal blocks on 22 Jan’15 with published notice on newspaper. Yesterday, the government has taken a step ahead and opened all applications for 36 mentioned coal blocks, which includes online applications and offline supporting documents.

Chhattisgarh based Gare Palma Sector II, with 768 MnT geological reserves was the most preferred block, attracting as many as 9 applications from government power companies and received the maximum number of applications. Whereas, Barjora (North) coal mine situated in West Bengal has not received any application in respect of allotment.

Sources mentioned “PSUs such as NTPC and  Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) have applied for Gare Palma Sector II in Chhattisgarh. While, SAIL has submitted application for Sitanala coal mine (Steel grade) situated in Jharkhand.”

NTPC, India’s largest government-owned power generation company, has put the highest number of applications i.e. 8 for coal blocks. West Bengal Power Development Corporation has emerged as the only applicant for the Gangaramchak and Gangaramchak–Bhadulia, which have a total of 18 MnT of coal reserves.

Earlier in the first stage of allotment process, all government power producers have submitted their online applications on MSTC portal, which were created for the purpose. The applicants were also required to submit separately a sealed envelope containing power of attorney and the affidavit. All documents were opened in the presence of applicants and currently being evaluated by a Technical Evaluation Committee.

Mine-wise List of Applications

* Mines are combined for the purpose of these allotment

Note: The list is indicative. Physical verification of supporting documents against each application is still being carried out. The final list of mine-wise applicants will be published on MSTC’s website.