New Delhi The Centre has put Orissa government’s plans to get 33% free power from coal reject-based power plants on hold. The coal ministry has asked Orissa government not to hold up any clearances for coal blocks on the basis of such condition till a proper policy is formulated in this regard in consultation with the power ministry.

"We have told them to speed up the clearances for coal blocks. There is a huge shortage of coal in the country and there has to be faster approval for new allocatees," a coal ministry official said.