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An inter-ministerial group has reiterated its recommendation to cancel coal-to-liquid blocks given to Jindal Steel and Power and Strategic Energy Technology Systems, the Coal Ministry said. “After perusal of these two letters (of government of Odisha), the IMG felt that no new fact has been brought to light warranting re-consideration of IMG’s earlier recommendation given in respect of these two CTL blocks,” said the minutes of the meeting held earlier this month to consider replies of Odisha government.

“Therefore, IMG reiterates its earlier recommendation in respect of these two CTL (coal-to-liquid) blocks,” it said. The inter-ministerial group (IMG) in its meeting held in October last year had recommended deallocation of the blocks.

 Ramchandi Promotional block in Odisha was alloted to Jindal Steel and Power Ltd (JSPL) in 2009 and Arkhpal Srirampur block in the state was given to Strategic Energy Technology Systems Ltd, a Tata–Sasol Joint Venture, in 2009. The ministry said it was noted from letter dated October 19, 2013 of Odisha government that the previous approval of the Centre for grant of prospecting license (PL) in respect of Ramchandi Promotional block was accorded by the Coal Ministry in 2009. However, the PL has still not been granted, it added.

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