Coal news and updates

IMC to advise nominated authority on re-allocation

November 12: The Ministry of Coal has decided to set up an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) to advise the nominated authority under the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Ordinance, 2014.

The nominated authority is required to manage the re-allocation of the 204 coal blocks that have been cancelled by the Supreme Court. Working towards this, this official would require to consult sectoral ministries like power, steel, apart from the Department of Policy & Promotion (DIPP). Consequently, the IMC will comprise representatives from the ministries of power, steel, finance, legal affairs, coal, commerce and industry and DIPP, an official release has indicated.

The IMC will not only advise on policy issues connected with the allocation of the coal blocks but interact with industry stakeholders and bodies like the chambers of commerce apart from the Coal producers’ Association, Cement Producers’ Association and the Steel Manufacturers’ Association.