The Coal Chronicles

Since 1993, when the coal sector was opened up for captive mining, as many as 289 blocks — with about 43 billion tonnes of geological reserves — have been allotted to various companies, including 179 to those in the private sector. An overwhelming majority of the allotments was made during the UPA regime; quite a few blocks were given away by the earlier dispensations as well. Here is a lowdown on the various ministers and the blocks awarded by them.

(Compiled by Yashodhara Dasgupta)

(Graphic: Sajeev Kumarapuram)

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(This story was published in Businessworld Issue Dated 24-09-2012)