Coal ministry rejects Niti Aayog’s proposals on raising mining output

Terming them ‘completely contrary to principles of transparency’, the Union coal ministry has rejected the recommendations of a high-level committee of the Niti Aayog on ramping up coal production. The panel had suggested to put an end to captive coal block allocation and conduct auctions only for commercial mining.

“Any sudden change in policy pushing for mining of coal for commercial use only as suggested in the report will disrupt supplies to the power sector,” coal ministry wrote to the think tank. “This has the potential to plunge the country into darkness,” the ministry’s letter reviewed by FE, added.