Commercialisation of coal is the need of the hour for the nation to bring down outflow of valuable foreign exchange and the liberalisation of the sector will not have any impact on Coal India which has sufficient reserves, said Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) BN Shukla.

In his appeal to the striking employees and their leadership to resume operations, Shukla said, “At a time when the country is facing Covid-19 pandemic and a threat from neighboring countries, we are required to stay united in the interest of the nation.”    

He said that producing one billion tonne coal for the country by 2023-24 was an uphill task for the Coal India, and private players would supplement the Coal India’s production for bridging the energy deficit. Moreover, commercialisation of the coal mining in India is need of the hour to swiftly enhance coal production to meet the growing energy requirement, said Shukla, emphasizing that no Government company had shown interest to take up the offered coal blocks since they are very difficult to mine. 

The Coal Ministry has also clarified that there is full thrust on Coal India to achieve 1,000 million tonne dry fuel production by 2023-24, while India is importing about 250 million tonne, including 40 to 50 million tonne coking coal, for meeting its energy demand and paying Rs 1.5 lakh crore in foreign currency, besides losing on DMF, royalty and employment to local people.

The Ministry has also clarified that there was no plan for privatisation of Coal India or any of its subsidiary. Further, no coal block allotted to Coal India is being given to any private player, it said.

While reminding that the Government of Odisha had declared coal mining as essential service under ESMA, the CMD urged the striking employees to return to work without further delay.