Lok Sabha Passes Coal Mines Special Provisions Bill Replacing Ordinance

04 March, New Delhi

The Lok Sabha Wednesday passed the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Bill, 2015 replacing the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) second ordinance, 2014.

The bill provides for allocation of coal mines through a transparent bidding process to ensure the continuity in coal mining operations and promoting optimum utilization of coal resources.

Replying to the debate on the bill, Coal Minister Piyush Goyal said, the government is committed to provide electricity to the people on affordable rates.

He said, the government will strengthen state-owned company Coal India and it has no intention to de-nationalise the company. Mr Goyal said, the revenue generated through the auction of mines will directly go to the states where the mines are located.