The Cabinet has approved the setting up of a regulatory authority for coal sector. It also approved the introduction of Coal Regulatory Authority Bill, 2013, in Parliament.

The decision aimed at regulating and conserving coal resources and protecting the interest of all stakeholders, was taken at a Cabinet meeting yesterday. Briefing the media in New Delhi this morning, Finance Minister P Chidambaram said, the government will issue an Executive Order to set up the regulator, p
ending the passage of the Bill.

Replying to a question, he said, the allotment of coal blocks does not fall within the purview of the regulator.

The Finance Minister said, the Cabinet also approved a draft affidavit on the autonomy of the CBI, to be filed before the Supreme Court before the 3rd of July 2013. He said, the affidavit will be vetted by the Law Ministry before submitting it to the apex court.

Mr Chidambaram refused to disclose the details of the affidavit, saying it is a legal matter. He, however, made it clear that the proposed framework for CBI autnomy does not conflict with any provision of the law.

Other decisions approved by the Cabinet include the proposal for setting up of communication satellites, GSAT-15 and GSAT-16, construction of Colaba-Bandra-Santa Cruz Mumbai metro line and continuation of subsidised Pawan Hans helicopter services in Lakshadweep islands.