How many coal blocks have the Screening Committee allotted to private companies?

10. How many coal blocks have the Screening Committee allotted to private companies?

Between 2006 and 2009, the UPA government allotted 145 coal blocks - of these 64 were
allotted to private companies, excluding private companies that were in joint ventures with

PSUs or, working on Ultra Mega Power Projects. In contrast, in the 11 year period from 1993
(when the Screening Committee was established) to July 2004, only 39 blocks, including those
to government companies were allotted. Till 2006, 70 coal blocks in total had been allotted.
(See Annexure III for the complete list of private companies allotted coal blocks).
The UPA government's allotment of such a large number of coal blocks within the space of
3 years, almost twice as much as what was allotted in 11 years prior to the UPA coming power
is clearly suspicious. Further, the Coal Ministry, under Dr Manmohan Singh, went ahead and
allotted these blocks for free, knowing full well that a change in policy to auction them was
inevitable. It is almost as though the government was trying its best to give away these coal
blocks before the new policy comes in that might actually benefit the people.