The Coal Ministry has sought suggestions from the stakeholders on the draft bid document pertaining to coal mines to be auctioned in order to ensure greater transparency.

The development comes in the backdrop of the government drawing flak from various quarters for irregularities in mines allocation.

A Coal Ministry document said the government proposes to allocate area containing coal blocks through auction by competitive bidding.

The Ministry further said comments and suggestions are invited from stakeholders on the draft Request for Proposal to be sent by January 20, 2014.

The government watchdog CAG had in 2012 estimated a 1.86 lakh crore rupees presumptive loss to the exchequer on account of allotment of 57 coal blocks without competitive bidding.