(1) Notwithstanding the provisions contained in sub-sections (1) and (3) of section 4, the Central Government may allot a Schedule I coal mine to a Government company or corporation which is not a joint venture with private company or to a company which has been awarded a power project on the basis of competitive bids for tariff (including Ultra Mega Power Projects) from specified Schedule I coal mines by making an allotment order in accordance with such rules as may be prescribed and the State Government shall grant a reconnaissance permit, prospecting licence or mining lease in respect of any area containing coal to such company or corporation:
Provided that the Government company or corporation may carry on coal mining in any form either for its own consumption, sale or for any other purpose in accordance with the permit, prospecting licence or mining lease, as the case may be.
(2) An allotment may be made jointly to a joint venture of two or more Government companies or corporations:
Provided that a joint venture of any two or more Government companies or corporations shall be prohibited from alienating or transferring any interest in the joint venture of whatsoever nature including ownership in favour of a third party.
(3) No allotment under sub-section (1) shall be made to a prior allottee, if that allottee has not made the payment of the additional levy within the specified period.