Friday, January 23, 2009

First ever interactive session between the stakeholders of Coal and the Coal Minister held

  The first ever stakeholders interactive Session by Shri Santosh Bagrodia, Minister of State for Coal was held today in New Delhi. Representatives of various consumers like power, steel, cement, sponge iron and belonging to other erstwhile non-core sector industries, State/Central sector power utilities, public units, washery operators, traders and logistic providers, representatives of Ministry of Power and Railways attended the meeting. 

After a brief introduction on the purpose for holding this meeting, consumers and their representatives were requested to raise any issues or suggestions concerning the supply and availability of coal. It was also informed that the basic purpose for holding such a meeting was to seek feedback and suggestions which will help the policy makers and Coal Companies in formulating better coal distribution mechanism. The participants raised issues ranging from non-availability/short availability of coal to poor quality. Various concerns were also raised as regards terms and conditions of Fuel Supply Agreement (FSA), linkages for new projects etc. 

Responding briefly to various issues and concerns raised, the Minister at the very outset clarified that there was no shortage of coal as such with the companies as is evident from the comfortable pit head vendable coal stock of over 30 MT. There are shortages and low stock especially with some of the power plants because of various factors including lesser import as against planned import and other infrastructural evacuation and unloading constraints. He emphasized that the Coal Companies have been supplying coal to the power sector as per the planned target, i.e. AAP target. He also informed the consumers in the power sector to take immediate steps for importing coal as planned already suggested by the Ministry of Power as any shortfall on this account would lead to lesser availability of coal in the coming months especially during the lean season which may have repercussion in their generation and stock building exercise. As regards new Letter of Assurances (LOA) to new projects, the Minister informed that there are provisions in the New Coal Distribution Policy to meet the requirement in respect of new consumers and steps have been taken for considering new cases including 12th Plan projects at the earliest. He also informed that already a large number of LOAs have been issued recently and hoped that these projects come up as stipulated within the 11th Plan. He also stressed the need for early signing of FSA by the remaining consumers in the power sector. 

The representatives of the non power sector consumers and others raised various issues concerning the logistics, non-availability of assured quantity of coal, transfer of linkages, transportation problems and issues concerning e-auction. They also requested for an early finalization of pending requests for new linkages as also for restoration of linkages existing earlier. Shri Bagrodia while responding informed that the suggestions and concerns have been noted and will be examined. However, he assured that all genuine concerns of the consumers especially those from small and medium sector would be adequately addressed to. He also informed that the suggestions and feedback given by them will be examined and if required the existing policies and procedures could be revisited in the interest of the consumers.

No comments: