Commercial coal auction: Govt to come up with more bidding rounds, says Coal Secretary

• Jain said that the government is constantly trying to reduce the time frame usually needed to get a coal mine operational 

• He emphasised that if India needs to grow and meet the energy demands, then we must provide smooth facilitation to the industry

New Delhi: Anil Kumar Jain, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, said that the government is going to come up with more rounds for bidding under commercial coal auction and added that his ministry is already in discussion with the MoEF&CC to reduce the time taken for getting forest clearance. Addressing 'Stakeholders Consultation on Addressing Financing Perspective for Auction of Coal Mines for Commercial Mining,' organised by FICCI, jointly with the Ministry of Coal, Jain said "Environment clearance has become much easier now. We are talking to the Ministry of Forest and are hopeful that in the next few months, the time taken to get forest clearance will be reduced," he added. 

He further added that the government is constantly trying to reduce the time frame usually needed to get a coal mine operational. 

'We will be coming out with successive rounds for bidding'

Assuring the industry of providing all support, Jain said, "We have changed the law, bidding policies and methodology to ensure that the import dependence is reduced. We are going to make sure that the promises made at the time of the bidding be fulfilled. We will be coming out with successive rounds for bidding." 

Also read: Govt extends deadlines for coal auction; here are the new dates

Jain emphasised that if India needs to grow and meet the energy demands, then we must provide smooth facilitation to the industry. "The government works to provide you (industry) with solutions. We don't intend to only auction the mines but also ensure that the production starts and that we develop a good market for it," he added.

In order to further support the industry, Jain said that the Indian Railways has reduced freight charges on long routes. "We are in touch with them to reduce freight charges for short routes as well," he added. 

'Auction of commercial coal mining will support Aatmanirbhar Abhiyan'

M Nagaraju, Joint Secretary and Nominated Authority, Ministry of Coal, said that coal continues to play an important role in the energy mix of the country for the next 30 years. Highlighting the role of the private sector, he said that we will meet the needs of the private sector, including the evacuation of coal. 

"The auction of commercial coal mining will also support the Aatmanirbhar Abhiyan of the government in reducing coal imports. We are trying to reduce import dependence on non-coking coal in the next few years. This will also help in saving foreign exchange and provide more employment opportunities," added Nagaraju. 

Bhabani Prasad Pati, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Coal said that the commercial coal mining auction is paving the way for new talents in the sector and the role of FICCI is commendable in getting the industry together. 

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