Following a grim assessment by Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), Union Petroleum Secretary Vivek Rae urged officials in his ministry to act fast on clearing oil and gas projects.
It may be noted that the oil ministry’s technical arm DGH said officials of the ministry are yet to clear 268 files relating to various projects for months.
These files are pertaining to approvals to develop proven oil and gas fields, extension of exploration period, approval for pricing of natural gas and coal bed methane and appointment of auditors.
It is learnt that the ministry is yet to approve over 88 management committee (MC) resolutions, pending for several years and which involve several oil and gas blocks operated by public and private energy firms. MC is the apex administrative body constituted for each block, which takes crucial investment decisions.
Besides 88 pending MC resolutions, there are 180 small issues awaiting approval of the oil ministry, reports suggest.
Rae has reportedly asked his juniors to clear these projects by May end or face action. He rejected arguments of officials that files were pending due to transfer of officers.
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