Modi pitched for speedy allocation for state firms

Chief Minister Narendra Modi had made a strong pitch for speedier allocation of coal blocks for captive power and steel plants,as claimed by Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram Monday,but had not recommended allocating it to any one in particular,as per the state records accessed by The Indian Express.

Modi apparently wrote to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh twice,in 2007 and 2008,asking him to allocate coal from mines closer to Gujarat for power generation. He also sought,in a June 11 2020 letter,Bhalumunda Coal Block in lieu of Morga-II. The decision on alternate allocation is awaited.

Modis two letters were followed up by letters from the MoS for Energy to the Union MoS for Coal in July 2007,and August 2009,with requests to respond positively in this regard.

Meanwhile,reacting to Chidambarams statement on Monday,Gujarats Minister State for Industry amp; Mines Saurabh Patel,who is also the state governments spokesperson,denied any knowledge of the CMs letter to Prime Minister.

Patel,however,said his department had written that state utilities should get priority in allotment of coal blocks as they supply cheap power to the people and farmers in the state.