The Ministry of Coal of the Government of India on June 6, 2016 released the 'Common Guidelines for Mine Developer and Operator projects' (the MDO Guidelines) which clarifies that the Draft Model Contract Agreement (MCA) as was released on August 05, 2015 was for the purpose of framing a standard contractual model for development and operation of the mines to be adopted by State Governments and local authorities.
The MDO Guidelines further state that the intent of the MCA was for the purpose of achieving a standard contractual arrangement that may be entered into across the country for procurement of such services. However, changes and alterations may be made keeping in mind specific requirements of State Governments and as required from time to time. It was also suggested under the MDO Guidelines that State Governments and Union Territories may consider permitting experience in mining of other minerals as 'eligible experience' during the evaluation process of bids so as to foster competition.
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