We have come a long way as far as the policy framework concerning coal mining is concerned. From a concession model, we have moved on to granting coal mining blocks pursuant to a competitive bidding process, and from prescribing specific end-use to permitting commercial sale of coal. This evolution is with a view to: ensure transparency in allocation of natural resources; cater to the country’s ever-increasing coal demand; utilise natural resources at an optimal level; and generate revenues for the government so that the same can be used for infrastructure and overall development.
