AICWF condemns de-allocation of coal blocks to private cos

New Delhi, Jan 3 (UNI) The All India Coal Workers Federation of India (AICWF) has strongly protested against the proposed move to de-allocate 51 coal blocks allotted to public sector Coal India Ltd.

Cautioning the government, AICWF President M K Pandhe said allocating coal blocks to private companies or those "having inadequate expertise or commitment to mining ethics" would result in destruction of this non-renewable energy reserve besides environmental degradation.

By this move, the Government will allocate 81 new blocks totalling 38 billion tonnes of coal reserves to both private and public companies outside the CIL.

He regretted that the blocks, which had been developed by CIL, were being allocated to those quarters not directly involved with coal manufacture.

The AICWF said in a press statement here that the decision aimed at transfer of coal operations into private hands and demanded immediate restoration of the blocks with adequate funds and support.

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