SUNDAY, MAY 19, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: The Goa State Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) has requested the State government to approach the Central government to extend the deadline of September 30 for the coal block as there are no bidders. “There was one but they needed to apply on both requirements, financial and technical but it was lacking hence was disqualified,” the chairman of GIDC Glenn Ticlo briefed media.
Goa government has failed to select Mines Developer and Operator (MDO) for developing and operating the coal block allotted to GIDC at Dongri Tal-II coal block in Madhya Pradesh, said GIDC Chairperson Glenn Ticlo.
The State government had appointed a private consultant for selection of MDO for the coal block. “We have not received any bidders. One bidder whom we received was not very responsive as per the guidelines. Last date is on September 30. We will send the information to the government to initiate further action or decision,” he added.
He was speaking to media persons after 376th meeting of GIDC. Goa government has time till September 30 to either get a bidder or pay the performance guarantee of Rs 163.95 crore. GIDC is yet to seek further extension from the Union coal ministry for finalising the MDO for the coal mine, which has a 21-year life and which GIDC values at Rs 1,544 crore.
Meanwhile, GIDC has put up for auction 31 industrial plots on the nearly five lakh sqm of land reclaimed from SEZ promoters at Verna, in a bid to clear the debt taken in May 2019 to repay five SEZ promoters. “State government is expecting revenue of around Rs 250 crore from this auction,” said Ticlo.
The GIDC board meeting also discussed on per ex-gratia performance. The chairman said that normally we used to give this stuff on the same lines as last year, has been approved by the Board.
“We are focusing on this land so that we can clear the loan then others will automatically will be sold. “We have already cleared Rs 80 crore, even during pandemic. Another Rs 100 crore is remaining,” said the GIDC chairman.
