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The Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Rules, 2014
Published vide Notification No. G.S.R. 883(E), dated 11th December 2014
Last Updated 18th December, 2020 [act2535]
Ministry of Coal
G.S.R. 883(E). – Whereas a draft of the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Rules, 2014 which the Central Government proposes to make under the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Ordinance, 2014 was placed in the website of the Government of India, Ministry of Coal requesting the members of public and all the persons likely to be affected thereby to submit their objections and suggestions, if any, to the Government of India, Ministry of Coal;
And whereas in response to such public notice the Ministry of Coal received objections and suggestions from the members of public and the persons likely to be affected thereby;
And whereas the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Rules, 2014 were finalised after considering the objections and suggestions;
And whereas if any further objections and suggestions are received on the said rules from the members of public and the persons likely to be affected thereby, the same shall be considered and the rules shall be suitable amended;
Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 29 of the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Ordinance, 2014 (Order 5 of 2014), the Central Government hereby makes the following rules, namely:-
Chapter I
Short Title and Commencement
1. Short title and commencement. – (1) These rules may be called the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Rules, 2014.
(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
2. Definitions. – (1) In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires,-
[(a) “Act” means the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 (11 of 2015);
(aa) “additional levy” has the same meaning as assigned to it in clause (a) of sub-section (1) section 3 of the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 (11 of 2015);
(ab) “affiliate” with respect to any person shall mean any other person who, directly or indirectly:-
(i) controls such person; or
(ii) is controlled by such person; or
(iii) is controlled by the same person who, directly or indirectly, controls such person; or
(iv) is an associate company of such person.
Explanation. – For the purpose of this clause “associate company” shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in sub-section (6) of section 2 of the Companies Act, 2013 (18 of 2013);
(ac) “allocation” means allotment and auction referred together;
(ad) “allotment” means allotment of coal blocks referred to in section 5 of the Act;];
(b) “allotment document” means the document referred to in sub-rule (4) of rule 11;
(c) “allotment order” means the allotment order as referred to in clause (b) of sub-section (1) of Section 3 of the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Ordinance, 2014 (Order 5 of 2014);
(cb) “bidder” means a company or corporation which participate in auction of coal mine;];
(d) “business day” means a day which is not a Saturday or Sunday or any other day declared as a public holiday by the Central Government;
(db) “coal linkage” means a contract entered between coal producing Government company or corporation and consumer for supply of coal in accordance with the terms and conditions of the relevant fuel supply agreement;
(dc) “control” shall include the right to appoint majority of the directors or to control the management or policy decisions exercisable by a person or persons acting individually or in concert, directly or indirectly, including by virtue of their shareholding or management rights or shareholders agreements or voting agreements or in any other manner;]
(e) “designated custodian” means a person appointed as a designated custodian by the Central Government under section 18 of the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Ordinance, 2014 (Order 5 of 2014);
(f) “floor price” means [a price or percentage fixed by the Central Government for a Schedule I coal mine allocated by way of forward auction]
(fb) “group company” means a company which is an affiliate of another company;
(fc) “infrastructure special purpose vehicle” means an entity incorporated by the nodal agency designated by the Central Government for the purposes of Ultra Mega Power Projects and shall –
(i) hold the land required for the construction of the Ultra Mega Power Project and grant the said land under lease or licence to the operating special purpose vehicle;
(ii) hold the allocation of the domestic captive coal block and grant the mining, development and operation rights of the said domestic captive coal block to the operating special purpose vehicle;
(fd) “operating special purpose vehicle” means an entity incorporated by the nodal agency designated by the Central Government for the purpose of an Ultra Mega Power Project and shall-
(i) be transferred to the awardee of an Ultra Mega Power Project on the basis of competitive bids for tariff for the execution of the Ultra Mega Power Projects;
(ii) execute the power purchase agreement with the distribution licensees for execution of the Ultra Mega Power Project;
(iii) hold the land required for the construction of the Ultra Mega Power Project on lease basis acquired in the name of infrastructure special purpose vehicle; act as a mine development operator of the captive coal mine allocated to the infrastructure special purpose vehicle;];
(g) “mine dossier” means the mine dossier as referred to in sub-rule (6) of rule 9;
(h) “nominated authority” means a person appointed as a nominated authority by the Central Government under section 6 of the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Ordinance, 2014 (Order 5 of 2014);
(i) “operation and management plan” means the plan as referred to in sub-rule (1) of rule 28;
(jb) “preferred allottee” means the allottee as referred to in sub-rule (8) of rule 11;
(jc) “preferred bidder” means the bidder as referred to in sub-rule (9) of rule 10;
(jd) “reverse auction” means the method of auction where the bidders shall be required to successively quote the bid lower than the ceiling price, subject to such conditions as may be specified in the tender document;]
(k) “reserve price” means [a price or percentage fixed by the Central Government for a Schedule I coal mine allocated by way of allotment or by way of reverse auction];
(l) “rules” means the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Rules, 2014;
[(m) “successful allocatee” means the successful bidder and successful allottee referred together;
(ma) “successful allottee” means the allottee as referred to in sub-rule (9) of rule 11 or a company, or as the case may be, corporation to whom coal mine has been allotted in pursuance of rule 12;
(mb) “successful bidder” means the bidder as referred to in sub-rule (10) of rule 10;]
(n) “tender document” means the tender document as referred to in sub-rule (2) of rule 10;
(o) “vesting order” means the vesting order as referred to in clause (w) of sub-section (1) of Section 3 of the Ordinance.
(2) Words and expressions used herein but not defined and defined in the Ordinance shall have the meaning respectively assigned to them in the Ordinance.
Chapter II
The Nominated Authority
3. Appointment of the nominated authority. – (1) The Central Government shall appoint a nominated authority in accordance with the provisions of sub-section (1) of Section 6 of the Ordinance.
(2) The nominated authority may be a full time authority or be designated as an additional charge, as determined by the Central Government.
4. Office of the nominated authority. – (1) The Central Government may specify-
(a) the number, designation, role and function of the officers and staff to assist the nominated authority in accordance with the provision of sub-section (5) of Section 6 of the Ordinance; and
(b) the manner of appointment of the officers and staff through direct recruitment, deputation, contract, or assignment from other departments or organisations.
(2) The Central Government may make such budgetary allocation as it may deem fit, for discharge of functions by the nominated authority and the office of the nominated authority.
(3) The nominated authority shall exercise powers as Head of the Department in accordance with the General Financial Rules and Delegation of Financial Power Rules and the nominated authority may designate one of the officers working under him as Head of Office.
5. Conditions of service of the nominated authority and the officers and staff. – (1) The conditions of service of the nominated authority and the officers and staff of the nominated authority, shall be regulated in accordance with such terms of employment, including the laws, rules, regulations, and contracts, as are applicable to officers and employees of the Central Government belonging to the corresponding category and pay band, grade pay or scale of pay.
(2) Officers assigned from other departments or organisations and posted with the nominated authority shall be governed by the terms of employment and the rules applicable to them in their respective departments or organisations belonging to the corresponding category and pay band, grade pay or scale of pay.
(3) Persons appointed on contractual basis in the office of the nominated authority shall be governed by their respective terms of contract with respect to their appointment.
6. Experts. – (1) The nominated authority may appoint experts who are already on the panel of the following with respect to similar expert advisory as required by the nominated authority, namely:-
(a) any ministry or department of the Central Government; or
(b) any Central Government public sector enterprise or any statutory or autonomous organisation of the Central Government.
(2) The nominated authority may also appoint experts who are not on any panel after following the procedure specified by the Central Government.
(3) The nominated authority may in its discretion use quality based selection or selection by direct negotiations for appointment of experts, as specified in the Manual of Policies and Procedure of Employment of Consultants, dated the 31st August, 2006, issued by the Government of India, Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure.
7. Powers and duties of the nominated authority. – (1) The nominated authority shall exercise such powers as specified in the Ordinance and these rules.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing powers and duties specified under section 6 of the Ordinance, the nominated authority shall have the power or the duty, as the case may be, to-
(a) call for all information necessary from any prior allottee in relation to any Schedule I coal mine, including records in relation to the coal reserves, production, costs of production, mine infrastructure and contracts entered into by any prior allottee;
(b) execute the vesting order in such form as may be specified by the Central Government;
(c) execute the allotment order in such form as may be specified by the Central Government;
(d) inform the relevant Central authorities and State authorities to record and mutate incorporeal rights of whatsoever nature including, of consents, permissions, permits, approvals, grants, registrations;
(e) take requisite steps for the collection of auction proceeds and the amounts realised from allotment;
(f) seek the details of taxes, levies or cess;
(g) direct the secured creditors in relation to a Schedule I coal mine to provide details of any secured debt, loans or other credit facilities, including security interest created by any prior allottee;
(h) ensure collection of bank guarantee in relation to a vesting order or an allotment order, as the case may be;
(i) keep records of any movable property of the prior allottee;
(j) keep records of the intimation of any charge in relation to a Schedule I coal mine provided by any prior allottee;
(k) call for information from the relevant statutory authorities under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (67 of 1957) and any rules and regulations made thereunder;
(l) adjust the preferential payments and transfer of amount to the Commissioner of Payments for disbursal to any prior allottee;
(m) transfer of residual amount to the respective State Governments where the Schedule I coal mine is located;
(n) open, operate and maintain one or more bank accounts for discharge of its functions;
(o) make payment to any person other than the prior allottee in accordance with the priority of payments specified in accordance with the provisions of section 9 of the Ordinance and in the manner as specified in rule 15;
(p) specify the manner of disposal of coal stock on the appointed date with the prior allottee of [Schedule II coal mine and on the date of termination of vesting order or allotment order in case of a coal mine under production;] and
(q) the nominated authority may take into consideration such recommendations, findings or reports, including that of any committee of the Central Government, and any order issued by the Central Government as it may deem expedient.
(3) The nominated authority shall also have any other powers which may be consequential or incidental to the functions of the nominated authority specified in the Ordinance and these rules.
Chapter III
Auction and Allotment Process
8. Allocation process. – (1) In connection with the allocation of Schedule I coal mines-
(a) the nominated authority shall finalise a mine dossier in the manner specified in rule 9;
(b) the Central Government shall issue an order to the nominated authority as provided in sub-rule (2) of rule 8;
(c) pursuant to the order issued by the Central Government under sub-rule (2) of rule 8, the nominated authority shall conduct the auction process in accordance with the provisions of rule 10 or the allotment process in accordance with rule 11 and rule 12, as the case may be.
(2) The Central Government shall issue an order to the nominated authority [specifying the following], namely:-
(a) the manner of allocation of the Schedule I coal mine through –
(i) public auction in accordance with the provisions of section 4 of the Ordinance; or
(ii) allotment under section 5 of the Ordinance;
Explanation. – For the purposes of this clause, own consumption may include consumption of coal in any specified end use or in any combination of specified end uses.];
(c) broad parameters for [conducting allotment or conducting auction including by way of forward auction or reverse auction]; and
(d) any other matter that the Central Government may deem expedient in accordance with the Ordinance or these rules.
(3) The Central Government may recommend the methodology for determination of the Floor Price or Reserve Price, as the case may be, to the nominated authority which shall make the determination of the same in accordance with the Ordinance and these rules.
(4) The sum for auction or allotment shall, inter-alia , include-
(a) a fixed amount for the value of land and mine infrastructure,
(b) the floor price or reserve price, as the case may be,
(c) a variable amount of bid, in case of auction, to be paid in such manner as may be specified by the Central Government.
9. Mine Dossier. – (1) The nominated authority may notify any prior allottee of the Schedule I coal mine under sub-section (1) of section 8 of the Ordinance to provide such information and documents regarding the Schedule I coal mine earlier allotted to such prior allottee, as the nominated authority may feel expedient.
(2) Upon receipt of such notice, in accordance with the provisions of sub-section (2) of Section 8 of the Ordinance, the prior allottee shall provide the information requested by the nominated authority within a period of fifteen days starting from the date of receipt of the notice referred in sub-rule (1) of rule 9.
(3) Without prejudice to the generality of sub-rule (1) of rule 9, the nominated authority may, at any time, seek any information from a prior allottee including-
(a) particulars of Schedule I coal mine, including the geographical area, coal reserves and other geological information;
(b) particulars of the mine infrastructure;
(c) particulars of mining operations conducted by the prior allottee, if any, including details of the personnel engaged;
(d) particulars of the secured creditors, along with details of dues towards secured creditors as on the date of receipt of the notification referred in sub-rule (1) of rule 9;
(e) particulars of all contracts relevant to the mining operations;
(f) particulars of any entitlement to mining lease, all statutory licenses, permits, permissions, approvals or consents relevant to the mining operations;
(g) balance sheet and profit and loss accounts, auditor’s reports and other financial information;
(h) particulars of movable property used in connection with the mining operations.
(4) The nominated authority may seek information regarding any Schedule I coal mine from any person other than the prior allottee, including secured creditors, auditors, counter parties to contracts and the designated custodian and such person shall provide such information sought within the period as specified by the nominated authority and such person shall be under an obligation to provide the information as required by the nominated authority.
(5) The person who fails to provide information requested by the nominated authority under this rule shall be liable for penalties under section 24 of the Ordinance.
(6) The nominated authority shall finalise a written dossier that is, the mine dossier for each Schedule I coal mines, based on the information received from prior allottee under sub-rule (1) of rule 9 or information received from persons other than the prior allottee under sub-rule (4) of rule 9.
(7) The nominated authority may update the mine dossier from time to time, on its own accord or upon receiving a direction from the Central Government in this regard.
10. Auction. – (1) The nominated authority shall conduct the auction of Schedule I coal mines in the manner specified in the Ordinance, these rules, and any other order issued by the Central Government in this regard.
(2) In respect of Schedule I coal mines, for which the Central Government has specified auction under clause (a) of sub-rule (2) of rule 8, the nominated authority shall prepare a document for the tendering process, that is, the tender document.
(3) Each tender document may include such information as the nominated authority may consider expedient for the purposes of auction including –
(b) the mine dossier containing particulars of the Schedule I coal mine;
(d) the request for proposal;
(4) The nominated authority shall comply with the following procedure while conducting auction, namely:-
(a) Electronic auction. – The process of auction of Schedule I coal mines shall be conducted through electronic auction, in accordance with the Ordinance, these rules, the tender document and orders issued by the Central Government, if any.
(b) Tender process. – (A) The tender process shall be a two stage process comprising of-
(i) technical bid; and
(ii) financial bid.
(B) The technical bid shall be for the purpose of qualification and the financial bid shall be for the purpose of determination of the successful bidder.
(c) Eligibility. – The nominated authority shall specify the applicable eligibility conditions for participation in auction in the tender document and the same may include –
(i) technical and financial qualifications of the participants in the auction;
(ii) compliance with the procedure specified for the auction process; and
(iii) requirement to [bid security in the form of bank guarantee.]
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[(4A) In cases where auction of a coal mine has been conducted under sub-section (3) of section (4) of the Act and a company has been declared successful bidder before the commencement of the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Amendment Rules, 2020, then the entitlement of such successful bidder to receive coal pursuant to such coal linkage shall stand proportionately reduced on the basis of the requirement of coal being met from the mine allocated to such successful bidder.
(4B) In cases of auction of coal mine for the purpose of own consumption of coal conducted after the commencement of the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Amendment Rules, 2020 where a bidder having a coal linkage becomes the successful bidder, then the entitlement to receive coal pursuant to such coal linkage may be reduced on such basis as may be specified by the nominated authority in the tender document.
(4C) In case the coal mine is specified for auction for the purpose of own consumption, then the capacity of the end use project for which a bidder is bidding shall be in such proportion to the capacity of coal block as may be specified in the tender document.]
(5) The nominated authority may also specify the maximum number of mines or coal reserves [or a limit based on any other parameter regarding production of coal or any combination thereof that may be auctioned to a company or corporation or its subsidiary or holding company or associate companies or group companies or its affiliate] based on the criteria specified by the Central Government.
(6) The nominated authority may take into consideration such recommendations, findings or reports, including that of any committee of the Central Government, and any order issued by the Central Government as it may deem expedient in determining the floor price, pursuant to sub-section (5) of section 8 of the Ordinance.
(7) The nominated authority shall issue a public notice for the auction in at least one Hindi and one English language national newspaper and such public notice shall specify the manner in which the tender document shall be obtained.
(8) The participants in the tender process shall be required to make payment of non-refundable fee of five lakh rupees for each Schedule I coal mine.
(9) Upon completion of the public auction process, [the nominated authority shall declare the preferred bidder on the basis of the result of auction and shall forward] its recommendations to the Central Government with regard to the selection of successful bidder.
(10) Upon receipt of such recommendation the Central Government may direct the nominated authority to issue a vesting order in favour of the successful bidder or may provide such other binding directions to the nominated authority as may be deemed appropriate.
11. Allotment. – (1) The nominated authority shall conduct the allotment of Schedule I coal mine in the manner specified in the Ordinance, these rules, and any other order issued by the Central Government in this regard.
(2) The nominated authority [may specify the maximum number of mines or coal reserves or a limit based on any other parameter regarding production of coal or any combination thereof that may be allotted to a company or corporation or its subsidiary or holding company or associate companies or group companies or its affiliate] based on the criteria specified by the Central Government.
(3) In respect of Schedule I coal mines for which the Central Government has specified allotment under clause (a) of sub-rule (2) of rule 8, the nominated authority [shall prepare a document for the allotment process, that is, the allotment document].
(4) Each allotment document shall include such information as the nominated authority may consider expedient for the purposes of allotment and may include-
(b) the mine dossier containing particulars of the Schedule I coal mine;
(c) the terms and conditions associated with the allotment, including the reserve price, eligibility conditions, [procedure for making application for allotment,] the process of conduct of allotment and other related information;
(5) The nominated authority shall issue a public notice inviting applications from a Government company or corporation eligible under section 5 of the Ordinance in at least one Hindi and one English language national newspaper and the nominated authority may make arrangements for wide dissemination of the allotment document to the prospective applicants.
(6) The allotment document shall specify the norms for allotment and such norms may include the following, namely:-
(a) progress of development of coal blocks by the applicant in the past;
(b) financial details of the applicant, including the net-worth and turnover;
(c) technical capabilities of the applicant and the technology proposed to be used for mining;
(e) demand-supply gap;
(f) assessment of requirements of the State;
(g) in case of utilisation of the coal [for own consumption]
(i) state of preparedness of the end use facility;
(ii) proximity of the end use facility to the relevant coal mine;
(iii) in case of generation of power being [specified as the purpose], the per-capita power availability in the State of the applicant company.
(7) The nominated authority may take into consideration such recommendations, findings or reports, including that of any committee of the Central Government, and any order issued by the Central Government as it may deem expedient in determining the reserve price, pursuant to sub-section (5) of section 8 of the Ordinance.
[(8) The nominated authority shall declare the preferred allottee on the basis of the result of allotment process and shall forward its recommendations to the Central Government with regard to the selection of the successful allottee.]
(9) Upon receipt of such recommendation, the Central Government may direct the nominated authority to issue an allotment order in favour of the successful allottee or may provide such other binding directions to the nominated authority as may be deemed appropriate.
[(10) The Central Government may in public interest and for the reasons to be recorded in writing, relax any of the provisions of this rule for the allotment of a [Schedule I coal mine to,-
(i) a Government company or corporation owned, managed or controlled by the Central Government, or
(ii) a Government company or corporation for utilisation of coal in the linked power project to be awarded on the basis of competitive bid for tariff (including Ultra Mega Power Project):
Provided that in case of allotment of a coal block to a Government company or corporation for utilisation of coal in the linked power project to be awarded on the basis of competitive bid for tariff (including Ultra Mega Power Project), the Central Government shall first issue an in-principle allotment letter for such coal block to such Government company or corporation recommended by the Government of India in the Ministry of Power before the competitive bidding for tariff and thereafter on successful award of power project, the final allotment order shall be issued in accordance with the process specified in rule 13.]]
[(11) In cases of allotment of coal mine for the purpose of own consumption of coal where an applicant having a coal linkage becomes the successful allottee, then the entitlement of such successful allottee to receive coal pursuant to such coal linkage may be reduced on such basis as may be specified by the nominated authority in the allotment document.].
[12. Allotment on the basis of tariff based competitive bidding for power projects. – (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in rules 8, 10 or 11, the Central Government may in accordance with the provisions of sub-section (1) of section 5 of the Act, allot any Schedule I coal mine to any company recommended for such allotment by the Government of India in the Ministry of power, which has been awarded power project on the basis of competitive bids for tariff) including Ultra Mega Power Projects), on such terms and conditions as the Central Government may deem expedient.
(2) The Central Government may notify a list of such Schedule I coal mines which would be available for allotment under this rule and may also specify the terms and conditions for such allotment.]
13. Transition through vesting and allotment. – (1) The successful bidder in accordance with the provisions of rule 10 or the [successful allottee] in accordance with the provision of rule 11 or rule 12, that is, the successful allocatee shall be entitled to receive a vesting order or an allotment order, as the case may be.
(2) In the event that the successful allocatee is the same as the prior allottee, then-
(a) the successful allocatee shall be entitled to receive a vesting order or an allotment order, as the case may be, only after it has made payment of the applicable additional levy within the due date;
(b) the successful allocatee shall immediately inform its secured creditors in writing, who may elect to continue with the facility agreement in accordance with the provisions of clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 12 of the Ordinance;
(c) The successful allocatee shall continue the mining operations in the manner specified in sub-section (10) of section 8 and sub-section (11) of section 8 of the Ordinance, as applicable.
(3) In case the successful allocatee is not the same as the prior allottee then-
(a) the prior allottee shall be entitled to receive the [compensation] in the manner provided in rule 15;
(b) the successful allocatee shall-
(i) inform the prior allottee in writing to commence negotiations to own or utilise any movable property used in coal mining operations on such terms and conditions as may be mutually agreed to by them in accordance with the provisions of section 10 of the Ordinance;
(ii) inform the nominated authority in writing, prior to issuance of the vesting order or allotment order, as the case may be, regarding its intention to continue and adopt any contract which may be existing with any prior allottee;
(iii) on receipt of such information from the successful allocatee, the nominated authority shall include the vesting of such contracts in the vesting order or the allotment order, as the case may be, in accordance with the provisions of section 11 of the Ordinance.
(4) In accordance with the provisions of sub-section (6) of section 8 of the Ordinance, the [successful allocatee] shall be required to provide a performance bank guarantee for such amount as may be specified by the Central Government or the nominated authority and such performance bank guarantee may, inter alia , provide for the following, namely:-
(i) it shall be unconditional and irrevocable;
(ii) it shall be linked with the milestones for the development of the coal mine [as provided in the agreement specified in sub-rule (5)]; and
(iii) upon invocation of the performance bank guarantee, the payment should be made immediately without any demur, reservation, caveat, protest or recourse.
[Provided that in case the allotment is made under sub-rule (10) of rule 11 to a Government company or corporation for utilisation of coal in the linked power project to be awarded on the basis of competitive bid for tariff (including Ultra Mega Power Project), the performance Bank Guarantee shall be provided by the operating special purpose vehicle on behalf of the successful allottee after award of power project on the basis of competitive bidding in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Central Government in the Ministry of Power.]
(5) The successful allocatee shall enter into an agreement with the nominated authority wherein the terms and conditions of the allocation shall be specified.
[(5A) The terms and conditions of the agreement as specified in sub-rule (5) shall be included in terms and conditions of the mining lease for the coal block along with any other terms and conditions that the Central Government or the State Government may deem fit under the Mineral Concession Rules, 1960 and upon grant of the mine opening permission under rule 9 of the Colliery Control Rules, 2004, the agreement as specified in sub-rule (5) shall stand terminated.
(5B) Upon grant of the mine opening permission under rule 9 of the Colliery Control Rules, 2004, the successful allocatee shall provide an unconditional and irrevocable performance bank guarantee in favour of the State Government for the amount equivalent to the performance bank guarantee submitted by it to the Central Government under sub-rule (4) for ensuring the production of coal as per the mining plan:
Provided that in case the allotment is made under sub-rule (10) of rule 11 to a Government company or corporation for utilisation of coal in the linked power project to be awarded on the basis of competitive bid for tariff (including Ultra Mega Power Project), the performance bank guarantee shall be provided by the operating special purpose vehicle on behalf of the successful allottee after award of power project on the basis of competitive bidding in accordance with guidelines issued by the Central Government in the Ministry of Power.
(5C) The performance bank guarantee submitted under sub-rule (4) shall be returned to the successful allocatee after submission of performance bank guarantee under sub-rule (5B) or after sixty days of termination of the agreement as specified in sub-rule (5), whichever is earlier.]
(6) The vesting order or allotment order shall be cancelled by the nominated authority in case of breach of terms of the agreement entered under the provisions of sub-rule (5) of rule 13, misrepresentation of facts, violation of the provisions of the Ordinance [and these rules, on recommendation of the State Government concerned in the event of breach of terms and conditions of reconnaissance permit, prospecting license, mining lease or prospecting license-cum-mining lease, in the event of cancellation of said concessions under any other law in force, or it is expedient in public interest to terminate the allocation in the opinion of the Central Government, for the reasons to be recorded in writing].
(7) Successful allocatee shall be entitled to take possession of the relevant Schedule I coal mine and commence mining operations in the manner specified in sub-section (7) of section 8 of the Ordinance and the vesting order or the allotment order, as the case may be.
14. Manner of determination of compensation [***] and lodging of the registered sale deeds. – (1) The compensation [***] shall be determined by the nominated authority in accordance with the provisions of section 16 of the Ordinance and for the said purpose the nominated authority may –
(a) seek information regarding the written down value of the mine infrastructure as reflected in the statutorily audited balance sheet in accordance with the provisions of sub-section (1) of section 8 and sub-section (2) of section 16 of the Ordinance; and
(b) seek assistance from the Central Government or experts regarding determination of compensation payable to the prior allottee in terms of sub-section (2) of section 6 of the Ordinance.
(2) The prior allottee shall lodge the registered sale deeds or its certified copy or both with respect to the Schedule I coal mines with the nominated authority in accordance with the provisions of sub-section (1) of section 16 of the Ordinance, within the time specified by the nominated authority in this regard.
15. Priority of disbursal of [***]. – (1) In accordance with the provisions of section 9 of the Ordinance, the [compensation deposited by the successful allocattee with the nominated authority] in relation to a Schedule I coal mine shall be disbursed priority wise in the following order, namely:-
(a) payment to secured creditors in accordance with the provisions of clause (a) of section 9 of the Ordinance;
- Explanation. – In case where there are more than one secured creditors and the proceeds arising out of the land and mine infrastructure is not sufficient for full satisfaction of their claims, then the nominated authority shall pay such creditors in proportion to their secured claims.
(b) all revenues, taxes, cess, additional levy and rates due from the prior allottee to the Central Government or a State Government or to a local authority at the relevant date, and having become due and payable within the twelve months immediately before that date, with respect to the relevant Schedule I coal mine.
[(c) amount payable to the prior allottee in respect of Schedule I coal mine.]
(2) Determination of claims. – (a) The nominated authority may invite persons other than the prior allottee to submit their claims with proof of their respective claims within a fixed time period to receive payments under this rule, through publication in at least one English and one Hindi language national newspaper.
(b) every claimant, who fails to file a claim or appropriate proof of the claim within the time specified by the nominated authority, shall not be entitled for the disbursements made by the nominated authority;
(c) upon receipt of the aforementioned claims, the nominated authority shall arrange the claims in the order of priority specified in sub-rule (1) rule 15 and examine the same in accordance with such order of priorities;
(d) the nominated authority shall after such investigation as may, in its opinion be necessary, determine the nature and extent of such claims and may by an order in writing, admit or reject the claim in whole or in part;
(e) in the event of any difference regarding determination of claims in accordance with the order of priority, the matter shall be referred to the Central Government and the decision of the Central Government in this regard shall be binding on the nominated authority.
(3) Manner of disbursement. – The payments referred to in this rule shall be made through the bank account specified by the persons entitled to receive such payments upon verification of the identity of such persons and the claims made by such persons, including the secured creditors as the case may be.
16. Determination of title to movable property. – (1) The procedure specified in sub-rule (2) of rule 15 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, with respect to determination of title to movable property by the nominated authority in pursuance of the provisos to sub-section (5) of section 10 of the Ordinance.
(2) If the movable property is disposed off by the successful bidder or allottee in accordance with the provisions of sub-section (5) of section 10, the owner or lessee of such movable property may establish the title of movable property on the basis of the following documents, namely:-
(a) original bills, invoices, receipts in favour of such owner;
(b) any document evidencing such transfer;
(c) entries in books of accounts of the such owner.
[17. Re-auction and re-allotment. – In case any Schedule I coal mine is not allocated pursuant to rules 10, 11 or 12, or the vesting order or allotment order in respect of any Schedule I coal mine is terminated, as the case may be, the nominated authority shall have the power to re-initiate auction under rule10 or allotment of the coal mine under rule 11 or rule 12, subject to such order as the Central Government may deem fit to issue under rule 8.].
Chapter IV
Additional Levy
18. Additional levy. – (1) The additional levy with respect to the coal extracted from any Schedule II coal mine till the 24th September, 2014 (inclusive of the 24th September, 2014), shall be deposited by the prior allottee with the Central Government on or before the 31st December, 2014.
(2) The additional levy with respect to the coal extracted from any Schedule II coal mine after the 24th September, 2014 till the 31st March, 2015 (inclusive of the 31st March, 2015), shall be deposited by the prior allottee with the Central Government on or before the 30th June, 2015.
(3) The additional levy shall be deposited in an account specified by the Central Government by way of a demand draft, banker’s cheque or any other electronic means, including real time gross settlement or national electronic funds transfer.
Chapter V
Certain Arrangements
19. Arrangements for optimal utilisation of coal mines. – (1) A successful bidder or allottee [***] proposing to enter into any agreements or arrangements referred to in sub-section (1) section 20 of the Ordinance shall make an application to the Central Government in writing.
(2) The application referred to in sub-rule (1) shall include the complete particulars of the following, namely:-
(a) parties to the proposed agreements or arrangements;
(b) the proposed agreements or arrangements; and
(c) the manner in which such agreements or arrangements would achieve optimal utilisation of coal mines and cost efficiencies.
[(d) details of coal linkages of the parties, if any.];
[(2A) Before applying, the parties shall ensure that all parties to the arrangement or agreement are otherwise eligible for the allocation of the coal mine or grant of coal linkage, as the case may be, which are subject matter of such agreement or arrangement.];
(3) The Central Government may seek such further information regarding the proposed agreement or arrangements as it may deem fit.
(4) The Central Government may after such investigation as may, in its opinion be necessary, by an order in writing, grant its approval or reject the proposed agreement or arrangements, in whole or in part.
[(4A) The Central Government while granting its approval may impose any condition which shall be binding on the parties to such agreement or arrangement.
(4B) Upon execution of such agreement or arrangement, the party carrying out the mining operations in the coal mine or receiving coal under coal linkage shall bear the liabilities in relation to such coal mine or coal linkage.];
(5) Upon execution of such agreements or arrangements, a certified copy of the same shall be deposited with the Central Government within fifteen business days of such execution.
[(6) An allottee to whom the coal mine has been allotted under sub-rule (10) of rule 11 for utilisation of coal in the linked power project awarded on the basis of competitive bid for tariff (including Ultra Mega Power Project) or under rule 12, shall not be entitled to enter into such arrangement or agreement.].
20. Utilisation of coal for any other plant of the successful allocatee. – (1) A successful bidder or allottee proposing to utilise the coal mined from a particular Schedule I coal mine for any of the other plants of such successful bidder or allottee or its [holding company or its subsidiary company for same] specified end use in accordance with the provisions of subsection (2) of section 20 of the Ordinance, shall provide prior intimation to the Central Government in writing.
(2) The intimation referred in sub-rule (1) shall be provided at least thirty business days prior to the intended date of such utilisation.
(3) The Central Government may seek further information regarding such utilisation as it may deem fit and may impose such terms and conditions as may be found necessary.
[(4) An allottee to whom the coal mine has been allotted under sub-rule (10) of rule 11 for utilisation of coal in the linked power project awarded on the basis of competitive bid for tariff (including Ultra Mega Power Project) or under rule 12, shall not be entitled to enter into such arrangement or agreement.].
Chapter VI
Commissioner of Payments
21. Appointment of the Commissioner of Payments. – (1) Central Government shall appoint the Commissioner of Payments in accordance with the provisions of section 15 of the Ordinance.
(2) The Commissioner of Payments may be a full time position, a part time position or may be designated as an additional charge, as determined by the Central Government.
22. Office of the Commissioner of Payments. – (1) The Central Government may specify-
(a) the number, designation, roles and functions of the officers and staff to assist the Commissioner of Payments in accordance with the provisions of sub-section (2) of section 15 of the Ordinance; and
(b) the manner of appointment of the officers and staff through direct recruitment, deputation, contract, or assignment from other departments or organisations.
(2) The Central Government may make such budgetary allocation as it may deem fit, for discharge of the functions by the Commissioner of Payments and the office of the Commissioner of Payments.
(3) The Commissioner of Payments shall exercise powers as Head of the Department in terms of the General Financial rules and Delegation of Financial Power rules and he may designate one of the officers working under him as Head of Office.
23. Condition of service of the Commissioner of Payments and the Commissioner’s Officers and Staff. – (1) The conditions of service of the Commissioner of Payments and the officers and staff, shall be regulated in accordance with such terms of employment, including the laws, rules, regulations and contracts as are applicable to officers and employees of the Central Government belonging to corresponding category and pay band, grade pay or scale of pay.
(2) Officers assigned from other departments or organisations and posted with the Commissioner of Payments shall be governed by the terms of employment and the rules applicable to them in their respective departments or organisations belonging to corresponding category and pay band, grade pay or scale of pay.
(3) Personnel appointed on contractual basis in the Commissioner of Payments shall be governed by their respective terms of contract with respect to their appointment.
24. Powers and duties of the Commissioner of Payments. – (1) The Commissioner of Payments shall have such powers as specified in the Ordinance or these rules.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, the Commissioner of Payments shall have the power or duty, as the case may be, to-
(a) make payment to the prior allottee of an amount equal to the compensation determined by the nominated authority;
(b) open, operate and maintain one or more bank accounts for discharge of its functions; and
(c) maintain records with respect to the disbursals made by the Commissioner of Payments for each Schedule I coal mine.
(3) The Commissioner of Payments shall also have any other powers which may be consequential or incidental to the functions of the commissioner of payments.
25. Manner of payment. – The payments referred to in this rule shall be made through the bank account specified by the persons entitled to receive such payments upon verification of the identity of such persons and the claims made by such persons.
Chapter VII
Designated Custodian
26. Appointment of the designated custodian. – (1) The Central Government [shall] appoint any person as a designated custodian for any [Schedule II coal mine or a coal mine under production whose vesting order or allotment order has been terminated,] by notification under sub-section (1) section 18 of the Ordinance.
(2) The Central Government may appoint different designated custodians for each [***] coal mine.
(3) A designated custodian may appoint, with the prior approval of the Central Government, such other officers, consultants and experts as may be necessary to assist it in the discharge of its functions.
(4) The Central Government may, by an order, specify such matters as may be deemed expedient including the following, namely:-
(a) the duration of appointment of the designated custodian, which may be extended by the Central Government from time to time, if necessary;
(b) the specific actions, if any which the designated custodian shall be required to take with respect to each [***] mine entrusted with the designated custodian;
(c) in case the designated custodian undertakes mining operations, the manner of disposal of the coal mined by the designated custodian.
(5) The Central Government may enter into an operations and management agreement with the designated custodian.
27. Possession by the designated custodian. – (1) The designated custodian shall be entitled to take control and possession of the relevant Schedule I coal mine through an order to the prior allottee of the relevant coal mine under the Ordinance.
(2) At the time of taking over the possession of the relevant Schedule I coal mine, the designated custodian shall prepare a list of assets constituting the relevant Schedule I coal mine and such list of assets shall be furnished to the Central Government and the prior allottee.
[(3) In case of a Schedule II coal mine or a coal mine under production whose vesting order or allotment order has been terminated, if so directed by the designated custodian, the prior allottee shall hold the relevant coal mine in trust for the designated custodian until the designated custodian assumes possession of the relevant coal mine.].
28. Operation and management plan. – (1) The designated custodian shall prepare a detailed operations and management plan for each Schedule I coal mine entrusted with the designated custodian and submit such operations and management plan to the Central Government within such time as may be specified by the Central Government which shall not exceed thirty business days.
(2) The operations and management plan shall contain details regarding-
(a) the manner in which the designated custodian shall operate and manage the relevant Schedule I coal mine;
(b) in case of any Schedule I coal mine, the operations and management plan shall also include particulars of any action that the designated custodian may take under sub-section (2) of section 19 of the Ordinance;
(c) the particulars of total cost that may be spent by the designated custodian in implementing the operations and management plan;
(d) the number of personnel that the designated custodian employs or hires for implementing the operations and management plan;
(e) in the event the designated custodian undertakes mining operations and disposes coal in the manner specified by the Central Government, then the amount that may be received by the designated custodian;
(f) manner of transfer of operation and management of Schedule I coal mines from designated custodian to a third party in accordance with the provisions of sub-section (6) of section 19 of the Ordinance.
(3) The Central Government may make modifications to the operations and management plan and communicate the final operations and management plan to the designated custodian which shall be binding on the designated custodian and the Central Government may at any time require the designated custodian to modify the operations and management plan.
29. Cost, revenues and fee. – (1) The cost incurred by the designated custodian in operationalising the relevant coal mines including cost of obtaining statutory clearances shall be reimbursed by the Central Government.
(2) Any revenue which may accrue to the designated custodian shall be deposited with the Central Government.
(3) The designated custodian shall be entitled to a fee to defray his costs as may be specified by the Central Government.
30. Powers of the designated custodian. – (1) Without prejudice to the generality of the powers specified under section 19 of the Ordinance the designated custodian shall have the power to-
(a) carry on coal mining operations in any Schedule II coal mine;
(b) appoint a manager and other personnel for the carrying out of coal mining operations;
(c) enter, or authorise any other person to enter any land or premises of Schedule II coal mine entrusted to it;
(d) take such action as may be necessary for the recovery of any debt due to the Schedule II coal mines, in accordance with the provisions of sub-section (3) of section 19 of the Ordinance;
(e) in case the designated custodian receives any money due to Schedule II coal mines, in accordance with the provisions of sub-section (3) of section 19 of the Ordinance, which pertains to a transaction made at any time before the appointed date, the designated custodian shall disburse such money to the prior allocatee after making payments in accordance with the provision of section 9 of the Ordinance and such verifications as may be necessary;
(f) incur any expenditure, including the payment of taxes, duties, cess and rates to the Government or to any local authority, provided such expenditure are not due on account of the prior allottee:
- Provided further that in case such expenditure is necessary for operation and management of the mine, the designated custodian may incur the same with the prior approval of the Central Government;
(g) require any prior allottee of the Schedule II coal mine entrusted with it, or any third party to provide such information and documents (regarding relevant Schedule II coal mine entrusted with it), as it may think expedient;
(h) any other powers which may be consequential or incidental to the functions of the designated custodian specified in the Ordinance and these rules.
[(1A) The powers conferred to a designated custodian under sub-rule (1) may also, mutatis mutandis, be exercised by designated custodian in respect of any mine under production whose vesting order or allotment order has been terminated.]
(2) The designated custodian shall have the power to take any action to preserve any Schedule I coal mine entrusted with it, in case of any emergent situation and any such action shall be immediately intimated in writing to the Central Government by the designated custodian.
(3) The Central Government may at any time direct the designated custodian to hand over possession, management and control of any of the mines referred to it to a person selected through the process of auction or allotment as per the provisions of the Ordinance and these rules.
Chapter VIII
Miscellaneous
31. If any person submits or produces any document to the Central Government or any authority under the Ordinance or these rules, such document shall be accompanied by an affidavit regarding its genuineness and if it is discovered subsequently that such document is false or incorrect, he shall be liable under the law for the time being in force.
32. Audit. – The nominated authority, the Commissioner of Payments and the designated custodian shall be subject to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
33. Conduct and discipline. – The nominated authority, the Commissioner of Payments the designated custodian and personnel, officers and staff working with the nominated authority, the Commissioner of Payment and the designated custodian shall be subject to conduct and disciplinary rules as may be applicable to them in accordance with the law or rules for the time being in force.
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