After govt orders inquiry, MSMC halts private agency’s work

A day after the state government ordered an inquiry, the Maharashtra State Mining Corporation (MSMC) on Saturday halted work by private agency Rukhmai Infrastructure from city till further decision from the government.

Considering the complaint of MPCC president Nana Patole, industries minister Subhash Desai on Friday appointed one-member inquiry committee of divisional commissioner Prajakta Lavangare-Verma.

The government has set deadline of one month for submitting the report. Desai ruled out government role in the tender citing agreement was done between MSMC and Mahagenco.

Patole had alleged irregularities in tendering process by MSMC in appointment of Rukhmai Infrastructure for beneficiation (washing) of 2 million metric tonne (MMT) coal per annum.

MSMC general manager Premchand Tembhare told TOI that letter of intent was issued to the company in the first week of June. “The company has been asked not to start work till further decision from the government,” he said.

The Mahagenco had asked MSMC to lift 22 MMT coal per annum from mines of WCL, SECL and MCL, wash it and supply to seven thermal power stations (TPS) — Chandrapur, Koradi, Khaparkheda, Nashik, Bhusawal, Parli and Paras.