IMG to meet tomorrow

The report of an inter-ministerial group (IMG) on the allocation of coal blocks is likely to be finalised this week. However, the deallocation recommendations in the report would only cover private companies, as public sector companies are yet to present their cases before the IMG.

The IMG members would also meet officials from public sector companies issued show-cause notices. Officials from the companies would be asked to explain the delay in production from the blocks allocated to them. However, a decision on this would be taken later.

The IMG, which last week held marathon meetings with officials of private companies that saw delays in production from the coal blocks allocated to them, would meet on Wednesday to finalise its report on those companies.

On September 6, 7 and 8, the IMG members had met officials from Tata Iron & Steel, JSW Steel, Grasim Industries, Gujarat Ambuja Cements, Lafarge India, JSPL and RPower. So far, most companies that have presented their cases to the IMG have blamed hurdles in securing clearances, as well as the land acquisition process, for delays. A final decision on the cancellation of blocks would be taken by Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal, based on the recommendations of the IMG.

“It will not be possible to submit the final report by September 15. We are yet to review the 30 public sector companies,” said a senior government official. Initially, the IMG was scheduled to give its report, recommending cancellation of blocks in which delays in production were not justified, by September 15.