Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC), has decided to write to the State government to take a call on the coal mine block allocated to Goa in Dongri Tal phase II in Singrauli district of Madhya Pradesh, since no firm has expressed interest in bidding for mine developer and operator, for extraction of coal, from the said block within the stipulated time frame.
Glen Ticlo, GIDC Chairman and MLA, said that September 13 was the last date to bid for mine developer and operator for the coal block. “However, no firm has come forward to bid. One firm had applied but it could not fulfill requirements as per the guidelines. Thus, today the IDC board has decided to send the coal block matter to take a further call on it.” He further stated that they would request the State government to approach the Centre seeking further extension of time for bidding.
The State government had already appointed a’XYKno Capital services Pvt. Ltd. as a consultant for exploiting Dongri Tal II coal block allocated to Goa. Ticlo stated that though no bidder has expressed interest in bidding for the coal block, the consultants would be paid.
The Centre has allocated a coal block to Goa in Dongri Tal in Madhya Pradesh spreading over 1,392 hectare. It was allocated to Goa as a part of the fifth tranche of the allotment by the central mine ministry and the State was supposed to sign an agreement with the Centre by October 30, 2019.
However due to a lack of funds, GIDC could not pay the installments and decided to appoint a mine developer and operator, who would pay performance and bank guarantee for the coal block on behalf of the State. The State was supposed to pay Rs 196 crores, however, the State finance department refused to grant the amount.
