The CBI has started a probe against 24 companies and public officials in connection with alleged irregularities in coal block allocations between 1993 and 2004, including during the NDA regime.

Our correspondent says that a preliminary inquiry has been registered after the Central Vigilance Commission, CVC referred the complaints.

Coal Minister Shriprakash Jaiswal and seven Congress Members of Parliament had requested the CVC for a CBI probe in the allocation of coal blocks during the NDA rule as well.

The allocation of coal blocks to private companies for captive use started in 1993 when Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, 1973 was amended with the objective of attracting private investments in specified end uses such as power, cement and steel because of the growing economy.