Coal Mining Reforms: The Consultative Committee of Members of Parliament attached to the Ministry of Coal met on Wednesday to discuss ‘Commercial Coal Mining Reforms and Leveraging Private Sector Participation’. The meeting was chaired by the Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G Kishan Reddy. It was also attended by the Secretary, Ministry of Coal Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, senior officials of the Ministry and coal PSUs apart from the Members of the Committee.
In his opening remarks, Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G Kishan Reddy said that commercial coal mining is one of the shining examples of many reforms introduced under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in last 12 years. Shri Reddy informed the members that 14 rounds of commercial coal mine auctions have already been completed and the 15th round is currently under process.
The Minister also said that commercial coal mining have made the coal sector more competitive and efficient. Shri Reddy said that transparent auction process has transformed India’s Coal Sector by promoting competition and investment. Referring to the auction process, Shri Reddy said that the Ministry of Coal is actively engaging with industry bodies and private companies by organizing roadshows and stakeholder consultations, to ensure greater awareness and wider participation.
While welcoming the members, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Shri Vikram Dev Dutt said the captive and commercial mines have played an important role in achieving 1 Billion Tonne coal production in last two financial years. Shri Dutt highlighted that captive and commercial coal mines have contributed around 20% of the countries coal production in last Financial Year. Secretary also informed that continuous reforms introduced in the coal sector have reduced timelines of operationalization for fully explored blocks from 51 months to 40 months and partially explored blocks from 66 months to 52 months.
Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Smt Rupinder Brar gave a presentation on ‘Commercial Coal Mining Reforms and leveraging Private Sector participation’. Members of the Committee appreciated the Ministry’s efforts towards reforming the coal sector and offered valuable suggestions on further improving private sector participation and balancing commercial mining growth with environmental and community concerns.
