The government has undertaken significant reforms in the coal sector over the past few years, and the allocation process of coal blocks has been made more transparent. 

 

Replying to supplementaries during Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha today, Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy said that India holds the fifth-largest coal reserves in the world and is expected to meet the country’s energy needs for the next 60 to 70 years. 

 

He said that Coal continues to play a crucial role in India’s energy sector, and around 74 per cent of the country’s electricity generation is based on coal-based thermal power plants. 

 

Mr Reddy added that the government has also stepped up coal exploration activities to further enhance domestic production.

 

The Minister said, India is currently the second-largest producer and consumer of coal globally. 

 

He said, the government continues to focus on policy measures aimed at increasing coal production, simplifying approval processes, and ensuring environmental sustainability, in line with the country’s long-term development goals.