Press Trust of India reported that BJP has alleged that former chief minister of Maharashtra Mr Ashok Chavan transferred four coal blocks initially allocated to the Maharashtra State Mineral Corporation by the centre to private players in contravention of rules.

BJP secretary Mr Kirit Somaiya told a press conference “Maharashtra government had procured seven coal blocks from the central government. While the state government retained three coal blocks for power generation, other four blocks were transferred to Maharashtra State Mineral Corporation, which were subsequently allocated to private players.”

Mr Somaiya alleged that Mr Chavan after becoming chief minister separated the mining portfolio from the Ministry of Industries and retained it with him.

The senior BJP leader also alleged that Mr Chavan unilaterally brought down the mandatory advance fee supposed to be paid by the private players from 50% to 10% of the mining lease amount.

Somaiya said "This scam amounts to the tune of INR 375 crore. Chavan had recommended allocating two coal blocks to Gupta Steel against whom the centre has already filed an FIR.”

Mr Somaiya said the Ashok Chavan government allocated four coal blocks---at Adkoli in Yavatmal district, at Varora in Chandrapur district--in Maharashtra--at Gare Pama in Chhattisgarh and at Azarzari to as many private companies.

Source - PTI

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