Lok Sabha passes coal allocation bill

The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the coal allocation bill providing for vesting mining leases to successful bidders through a transparent bidding process.

Replying to the debate on the bill, Coal Minister Piyush Goyal said there was no provision for denationalization and workers interests will not be compromised.

He said the bill has been brought to ensure continuity in coal mining operations and for promoting optimum utilization of coal resources.

The Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Bill, 2015, provides for allocation of coal mines and vesting the right, title and interest over mine infrastructure together with mining leases to successful bidders through a transparent bidding process. Before the house passed the bill, amendments sponsored by the opposition were negatived.

The bill replaces an ordinance brought by the government in the inter-session period.

Goyal said the government will act strictly in case of any illegal coal mine.

"The requirement of all public sector units has been taken care of. State governments are also getting their requirement," he said.

With members of Biju Janata Dal raising some concern about the bill, Goyal said Odisha's interests will be protected.