Coal Reforms Must Reach Grassroots: Kishan Reddy

Hyderabad: Union coal minister G. Kishan Reddy has said that reforms in the coal sector will yield results only when they effectively reach the grassroots level, stressing that this is essential to achieving the goal of a “Viksit Bharat.”

Speaking at a two-day Chintan Shivir of the coal ministry held at Manesar, Haryana, to review PSU performance, ongoing reforms and institutional changes, Reddy said subsidiaries should not only prepare annual plans but also clear roadmaps on what they aim to achieve by 2030, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.

The minister noted that more reforms in the coal sector are on the anvil and urged subsidiaries to come up with concrete action plans to strengthen their companies and push coal gasification with a focused strategy. He said India must adopt global best practices while giving equal importance to company growth, workers’ welfare and environmental protection.

Reddy underlined the need to scientifically close a large number of mines over the next two years in coordination with district administrations, even suggesting an attempt at a Guinness World Record for systematic mine closure. He called for strict safety norms with a “zero accidents” target and better equipment utilisation to reduce operational gaps.

Pointing out that higher domestic production and improved logistics have significantly cut coal imports, he said this has saved around Rs 60,000 crore in foreign exchange. The minister also inaugurated a new executive hostel at the Indian Institute of Coal Management (IICM), Ranchi.

Union minister of state for coal Satish Chandra Dubey, senior officials of the ministry and chairpersons and CMDs of Coal India subsidiaries attended the event.