The Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Bill, 2015 which provides for the auction and allocation of coal mines through a bidding process has been passed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

The Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Bill, 2015, would replace two ordinances issued by the government — the first on 21st October last year and the other in December, after the apex court cancelled the allocation of 204 blocks.

The Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Bill 2015 provides for allocation of coal mines and vesting of the right, title and interest in and over the land and mine infrastructure together with mining leases to successful bidders and allots through a transparent bidding process.

Replying to a debate on the bill, Coal and Power Minister Piyush Goyal said its passage would ensure transparent and honest process of auctioning of coal blocks.