CIL disinvestment process to start in six months: Jaiswal

Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal said today the government would initiate the process of offloading 10 per cent equity in the state-owned Coal India (CIL) in the next six months.     

"We are considering to disinvest a maximum of 10 per cent of our stake in CIL. The process for the same will start in next six months," Jaiswal said.     

Even though the divestment process may start by December, the government is expected to take final decision on selling the stake in the country's largest coal producer after the upcoming budget session of the Parliament, he added.     

The coal major would give priority to its workers in allotment of shares of the disinvested entity. CIL also aims to give a boost to its R&R policy by way of offering shares to the people from which land is acquired for mining purposes.     

"If we disinvest, first preference will be given to our workers (in allotment of CIL's shares), second preference to people from whom land is acquired for mining. If workers take that 10 per cent shareholding of CIL then we will only give (shares) to the workers," he said.     

The coal major, which has an authorised capital of about Rs 8,000 crore, may also appoint an investment banker soon for carrying out the formalities for the proposed initial public offer.