Government unlikely to cancel all coal blocks allocation

New Delhi: As the deadlock in Parliament continues, the government is indicating that it is procedurally not easy to meet the Opposition's demand to cancel coal block allotments. Coal Ministry sources have told CNN-IBN that de-allocation is not a simple procedure and it is difficult to get it done by September 15.

The inter-ministerial group which will meet on Monday will look at only five coal blocks. The sources insist there are no norms for cancellation of coal blocks and thus the inter-ministerial group cannot take such a decision. The sources say allocations made by NDA as well as UPA governments will be considered.

The government has set September 15 as deadline for a decision on de-allocation of coal blocks where work has not started.

Coal Ministry sources have told CNN-IBN that de-allocation is not a simple procedure and it is difficult to get it done by September 15.

Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal said, "The Inter-ministerial group has been formed to look into the coal block allocations cited by the CAG. The group is time bound to produce a report by the September 15."

Parliament was adjourned yet again for the day on Monday without any significant progress being achieved over the coal blocks allocations. The Opposition continued to disrupt the Houses. The Lok Sabha, however, managed to pass three Bills - the Northeastern Areas Reorganisation Amendment Bill, Protection of Women against Sexual Harassment at Work Place Bill and National Highways Authority of India Amendment Bill.

The BJP is adamant that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh must resign for any discussions to take place in Parliament.

The Congress, however, said on Monday that the party will not give in to the BJP's demands till the time it did not let the House function.

The Left, meanwhile, said that if the coal blocks were not scrapped soon, the "shadow boxing" between the Congress and the BJP would continue.

It even asked the Centre to extend the session if necessary. "Cancel the 90 blocks where there are apparent irregularities, and order a judicial probe. The government can still redeem the situation and Parliament can function. If necessary, extend the session," said party sources.

The monsoon session of Parliament will end on September 8.

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