The government today said that the coal blocks for captive end use were allotted on the basis of recommendations of a Screening Committee which followed a fair and transparent procedure giving equal opportunity to all applicants. In an official release it said, the Screening Committee was a broad based body with representation from State Governments at the level of the Chief Secretaries, concerned Ministries of the Central Government and the coal companies.

The release says, the procedure adopted for allocation involved wide consultations with all stakeholders. The parameters and the guidelines for allocation were duly notified and followed by the committee while evaluating the applications.

The government issued this clarification after doubts have been raised in certain quarters regarding allocation of coal blocks to private companies for captive use from 2004 to 2009.

The release further said, process of allocation of blocks was equitable, fair and just which is borne out of the fact that there has never been any serious allegation against the working of the screening committee.