SC's coal blocks verdict a wake up call for government: Goyal

Coal and Power Minister Piyush Goyal Tuesday described as a "wake up call" the Supreme Court judgment last month that all coal block allocations made since 1993 till 2010 were illegal.

The apex court's judgment clearly points to the government needing to bring in greater transparency in the system, Goyal said in a meeting of states' power ministers here, according to official sources.

"It's a wake up call for all of us, Supreme Court is hearing the matter as we speak. The accountability and transparency standards throughout the country in every action of the government has to become more transparent, subject to more probity," Goyal said.

The coal block allocations between 1993 and 2010 were held illegal and arbitrary by the Supreme Court, and the government is awaiting the apex court's decision due Tuesday on the fate of 218 coal blocks allotted during the period.

The minister also said that the Centre would require co-operation from the state governments to achieve its aim of providing 24x7 power to every household in the country in the next five years,

"We can become a diesel and generator-free country and production of 1 billion tonnes of coal by 2019 is achievable. We need states' co-operation," he said adding that 18 percent growth in coal production is possible "if we work together".

The one-day conference is being attended by power and mines ministers from 29 states and 5 Union Territories. The agenda of the meeting includes 24x7 power for all, strengthening of transmission network, development of hydro power, coal-related issues and promotion of Renewable Energy sources, an official statement here said.