The Orissa steel and mines department has sought information from the energy department on whether two state-owned public sector units — Orissa Power Generation Corporation and Orissa Hydro Power Corporation — have entered into contracts for development of coal mines allotted to them. It has also wanted to know from the two state public sector units on if due procedures and rules were followed in the process of awarding contracts and also regarding formation of joint ventures with private companies. The clarifications, according to sources, were sought ostensibly to find out if irregularities were committed in coal block allocations. “The CBI enquiry also covers the files relating to grant of mining leases which were to be granted by the Orissa government. The government of India has requested the state government to accord the necessary consent.