Consultative Committee of Ministry of Coal Discusses Commercial Coal Mining Reforms and Leveraging Private Sector Participation – Indian PSU
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 G. Kishan Reddy. It was also attended by the Secretary, Ministry of Coal 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 G. Kishan Reddy said that commercial coal mining is one of the shining examples of the many reforms introduced under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the last 12 years. 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 has made the coal sector more competitive and efficient. Reddy said that the transparent auction process has transformed India’s coal sector by promoting competition and investment. Referring to the auction process, 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 Vikram Dev Dutt said the captive and commercial mines have played an important role in achieving 1 billion tonne coal production in the last two financial years. Dutt highlighted that captive and commercial coal mines contributed around 20% of the country’s coal production in the last financial year. The Secretary also informed that continuous reforms introduced in the coal sector have reduced the timelines for operationalization of fully explored blocks from 51 months to 40 months and partially explored blocks from 66 months to 52 months.
Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal, 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 while balancing commercial mining growth with environmental and community concerns.
