Coal Ministry restores 3 blocks to NTPC

Public sector power producer NTPC has been re-allocated three coal blocks in Jharkhand by the Coal Ministry. The blocks Chatti Bariatu, Chatti Bariatu (South) and Kerandari allotted to NTPC were de-allocated on June 14, 2011. In a statement, the Coal Ministry said that ‘in principle’ decision to withdraw the de-allocation has been taken. Keeping in view the impending disinvestment of NTPC, the decision that the three blocks stand restored to them has been conveyed, it added. The matter was examined in consultation with the Ministry of Law & Justice in view of the amendment to MMDR Act in 2010 and notification of rules in February 2012, the statement said. NTPC would develop the coal blocks according to the revised schedule submitted by them. The statement said that NTPC may also apply for coal blocks for which the Coal Ministry has invited applications from Government companies. The applications shall be evaluated on the basis of the pre-determined criteria, which includes preparedness for the projects and the financials of the company.