Parliamentary panel on coal recommends single-window clearance

New Delhi, Sep 17 (UNI) Expressing dissatisfaction with the working of Coal Ministry, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Coal and Steel for 2005-06, has recommended a single window clearence for the projects in order to remove the hurdles impeding the advancements in coal sector.

The committe in its 15th report has suggested that there should be a close liaison and coordination between the Union and State Governments and various agencies. They should work in tandem to identify as well as rectify the necessary bottlenecks.

The committee, headed by Mr Ananth Kumar, has criticised the working of Ministry of Coal saying, ''the projects are not being managed on sound professional lines and the Ministry has failed miserably in its duty to act as a vigilant facilitator in overcoming the root cause of delays in the projects.'' Taking note of a cumbersome monitoring and appraisal process of the projects, the report pointed out that projects are getting inordinately delayed, a bad augury for the coal sector.

''Monitoring of projects has remained a mere monotonous exercise without any tangible results forthcoming there from. Consequently, inspite of all these measures, the projects are getting delayed considerably,'' it noted.

According to the report, out of a total 100 projects to be taken up during the 10th Plan, only 67 were sanctioned and are under different stages. Out of the remaining 33, only six are expected to be completed during the Plan period. The reasons cited for the delay and rescheduling the completion time are not convincing, the report added.

The report also noted the problems and issues involved in the acquisition of land and obtaining of various clearences which are adversely affecting the progress of coal projects.

UNI BKS YA KN1647