Government Gets 107 Applications for Allotment of 43 Mines to PSUs

New Delhi: The Coal Ministry on Sunday received 107 applications from public sector undertakings (PSUs) like NTPC, SAIL, DVC and NLC for allocation of 43 coal blocks to be given to state-run firms.

"107 applications were received for 43 coal blocks for allocation to government entities," Coal Secretary Anil Swarup said in a tweet.

The Palma II mine in Chhattisgarh got nine applications - the highest for a single block.

"The allotment process for 43 coal mines to government companies started on February 18...Maximum number of applications has been received for Gare Palma sector II coal mine," an official release said.

The companies which have applied for Gare Palma II mine in Chhattisgarh include NTPC, Singareni Collieries Company Ltd, Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation and Gujarat State Electricity Corporation.

The coal block was earlier allotted to Maharashtra State Power Generation Co and Tamil Nadu State Electricity Board.

"One application each was received in respect of 7 package of nine mines," the statement said.

The government had earlier invited applications for 36 coal blocks for allotment but later decided to add more mines. The government is now allotting 43 mines to PSUs. Of the 43 mines, 42 are for the power sector and one is for the steel sector.