Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has now planned to rake up the long pending issue of non-revision of coal royalty before the Union government in the Lok Sabha Wednesday during the Question Hour to seek the response of the NDA government.
As per the list of the Lower House for the Question Hour for Wednesday, the issue has been listed for response from the government. BJD MP from Jajpur Rita Tarai is likely to raise the issue today in the Parliament.
The BJD is now keen to know from the NDA government, whether the Study Group constituted by the government to consider revision of rates of royalty on coal has submitted its report to the government and the details. It is also keen to know if the NDA government had been mulling to consider enhancement of royalty and the time period by which the decision would be taken.
On the other hand, the issue of coal auctions are also likely to be taken up by the Balasore MP Rabindra Kumar Jena. The BJD has sought response from the NDA government about the coal auctions and wants to know if any steps have been taken by the government to ensure precise policies, transparent transactions and transformative outcomes.
The BJD also is likely to get confirmation from the ruling government at the Centre if the fourth and fifth rounds of auctions have been cancelled owing to lack of bidders.
The BJD MPs have been repeatedly batting for revision of coal royalty and also for giving benefits of clean energy cess to coal bearing states like Odisha in both the Houses of the Parliament.
According to the Revised List of Business of Lok Sabha for Wednesday, bills like-The Central Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2018, The Integrated Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2018, The Union Territory GST (Amendment) Bill, 2018, The GST (Compensation to States) Amendment Bill, 2018, The Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill, 2018, The Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2017 and the The Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2018 are likely to be taken up for debate for passing.
PNN