2 GoMs headed by Chidambaram to send recommendations next week

New Delhi: Two GoMs, one on constitution of an independent regulatory authority for the coal sector and the other on amendment to the Competition Act, are likely to make their recommendations next week.

The GoMs, headed by Home Minister P Chidambaram, have held several meetings in recent days and deliberated issues concerning the subjects.

"The GoMs are in the process of finalising their recommendations, which may be sent to the Cabinet for its approval next week," an official source said.

The Coal Ministry had moved a draft Bill for constitution of a coal regulatory authority to the Cabinet earlier.

However, following reservations expressed by some ministries on certain provisions of the Bill, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh set up the GoM.

As per the draft, the coal sector regulator's functions include granting authorisation for undertaking mining, monitoring and enforcing closure of mines and determining prices of raw and washed coal.

Also, the regulator will attempt to expedite resolution of disputes relating to pricing of coal and put in place benchmarks for performance of companies in the sector.

The GoM on amendment to Competition Act is exploring the possibility of extending the scope of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) across all sectors.

A corporate affairs ministry note prepared for the panel says it seeks to make coordination between various stakeholders "mandatory" through suitable provisions added to the Act and the relevant sector-wise laws.

Two other GoMs headed by Chidambaram -- GoM on auction of 3G spectrum and GoM on civil aviation -- have already sent their recommendations to the Cabinet.