New Delhi: The Consultative Committee of Members of Parliament attached to the Ministry of Coal on Wednesday reviewed the progress of commercial coal mining reforms and discussed measures to strengthen private sector participation in the sector. The meeting was chaired by Union Minister of Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy and attended by senior ministry officials, coal PSUs and committee members.
Minister Highlights Progress in Commercial Coal Mining
In his opening remarks, G Kishan Reddy said commercial coal mining is among the key reforms introduced over the past 12 years and has helped make India’s coal sector more competitive and efficient.
Read Also: Coal Ministry to Sign MoUs for Sustainable Mine Closure, Jharia Rehabilitation and Skill Development
He informed the committee that 14 rounds of commercial coal mine auctions have been completed, while the 15th round is currently underway. He added that the transparent auction process has encouraged competition and investment, with the Ministry conducting roadshows and stakeholder consultations to increase industry participation.
Coal Production Boosted by Captive and Commercial Mines
Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Vikram Dev Dutt, said captive and commercial coal mines have played an important role in helping India achieve over one billion tonnes of coal production in each of the last two financial years.
He noted that captive and commercial mines contributed around 20% of the country’s coal production during the previous financial year.
The Secretary also highlighted that recent reforms have reduced the operationalisation timeline for:
- Fully explored coal blocks: from 51 months to 40 months
- Partially explored coal blocks: from 66 months to 52 months
Committee Suggests Further Reforms
Additional Secretary Smt Rupinder Brar presented an overview of commercial coal mining reforms and initiatives aimed at enhancing private sector participation.
Members of the Consultative Committee appreciated the Ministry’s reform efforts and offered suggestions to further improve private sector participation while balancing commercial mining with environmental and community concerns.
Following the meeting, G Kishan Reddy wrote on X:
“Chaired the Consultative Committee Meeting of the Ministries of Coal and Mines with Hon’ble Members of Parliament from across party lines in New Delhi, today.”
He added that members from across party lines shared valuable insights and constructive suggestions, assuring them that their recommendations would be examined and taken into consideration.
Read Also: Coal Ministry Allows Insurance Surety Bonds for MMDR Coal Blocks to Boost Ease of Doing Business
