New Delhi, March 28 (IANS). According to the information given by the central government, the country’s coal sector is moving forward in the direction of realizing the concept of ‘self -sufficient India’. 125 coal mines have been successfully auctioned in 11 rounds. This has attracted an investment of about Rs 40,900 crore and has created more than 4 lakh direct and indirect employment.
The Ministry of Coal has now started the 12th installment of commercial coal mine auction in its continuous efforts to increase domestic coal production and strengthen India’s energy security.
Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy said that with the 12th installment, additional 28 coal and lignite blocks are being auctioned, which will reduce India’s dependence on imported coal and conserve foreign currency.
The minister said, “The transparent process of auction has promoted healthy competition, which has inspired public sector public undertakings to compete with private players, resulting in greater efficiency, improvement.
The Union Minister encouraged all stakeholders and industry players to actively participate in the 12th phase of the auction, to fulfill collective responsibility in the creation of energy-safe and self-sufficient India.
In his address, Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Satish Chandra Dubey said that India has crossed 1 billion tonnes of coal production, the 12th round of commercial coal mine auction is another important step towards energy self -sufficiency.
He insisted that the mechanism of transparent auction, industry-friendly policies and increasing private sector participation will not only increase coal production, but will also attract investment, create employment opportunities and speed up the development of infrastructure.
The auction also includes two lignite mines, which meet various energy needs. 13 of the total mines have been completely discovered and 12 have been partially discovered, providing long -term investment opportunities and contribute to the development of the coal sector of India.
Apart from this, three mines of the previous round of commercial coal mines are also being introduced. The mines being auctioned are spread over coal and lignite states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Rajasthan.
-IANS
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