M A I N   N E W S

CBI to probe coal block allocations since 1993
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 24
The inquiry into alleged irregularities in coal block allocation issue today took a new turn when the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) asked the CBI to inquire into allocations since 1993 when the BJP-led NDA was in power at the Centre.

The policy of allocation of coal blocks began in 1993. The CBI received a request letter from the CVC and decided to proceed, sources in bureau said.

Last week, Coal Minister Shri Prakash Jaiswal wrote to CVC seeking a CBI probe into all the coal blocks allocated since 1993 when Government had started allocation to private players for captive use.

Seeking the CBI probe, Jaiswal has also recently forwarded a letter written by seven parliamentarians to the CVC saying that blocks allotted between 1993 and 2004 including those given during the NDA rule should be investigated by the CBI, as allegedly favours were done to parties under political pressure. The letter of MPs also sought for enquiry as to what system the Government of India put in place for selection of companies for coal block allocation between 1993 to 2004 and whether these guidelines were followed and how were joint venture partners selected.