In Parliament

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL

LOK SABHA

Q. No. 2445. REDUCING DEPENDENCE ON COAL 16.03.2022

SHRI ACHYUTANANDA SAMANTA: Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state: (a) whether India aims to produce 50% of its electricity from renewable resources by 2030, to reduce its dependence on coal; (b) if so, whether the Government has made plans of introducing a national policy that will ensure smooth transition to renewable resources from coal and recognize the social implications of moving towards clean energy and if so, the details and timeframe, thereof; (c) whether the Government is considering the transition away from coal which is likely to lead to unemployment and require retraining and reskilling of workers; (d) if so, whether the Government has a process in place to identify the workers directly or indirectly working in the coal sector, if so, the details thereof; and (e) whether the Government has identified districts across India, including Odisha that have at least one asset linked to the coal sector, including coal mine, thermal power plant or steel

plant, and will be affected by the transition; and (f) if so, the details, thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS, COAL AND MINES (SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI)

(a&(b)): No such National Policy for Just Energy Transition is under consideration by the Government. However, through Panchamrit Declaration during COP 26, India has set a timeline for attaining non-fossil energy capacity of 500 GW by 2030 and also to meet 50% of its energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030. (c)&(d): In India, no transition away from coal is happening in foreseeable future. Although there will be push for renewable/non-fossil based energy, but share of coal in the energy basket is going to remain significant in years ahead. Thus, as of now there is no scenario of transition away from coal affecting the workers involved in coal mining. Overarching decisions titled ‘Glasgow Climate Pact’ reflect the following agreement between parties with regard to coal and fossil fuel subsidies:

‘Calls upon Parties to accelerate the development, deployment and dissemination of technologies, and the adoption of policies, to transition towards low emission energy systems, including by rapidly scaling up the deployment of clean power generation and energy efficiency measures, including accelerating efforts towards the phasedown of unabated coal power and phase-out of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, while providing targeted support to the poorest and most vulnerable in line with National circumstances and recognizing the need for support towards a just transition’. It is evident that above paragraph is not mandating the phase down of coal power, and it is not setting any timelines for the phase down. Further, the paragraph is only ‘calling upon’ Parties to accelerate efforts towards the phase down of unabated coal power in line with national circumstances and recognizing the need for support towards a just transition. Paris Agreement is a multilateral treaty for combating climate change. Accordingly, while India has committed to clean energy; the pace of transition to cleaner energy sources in India is to be viewed in the light of national circumstances, and principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, the transfer of climate finance and low cost climate technologies. (e)&(f): Questions do not arise in view of part (c)&(d) of the question.

Q. No. 2455. REFORMS IN COAL SECTOR 16.03.2022

MS.RAMYA HARIDAS:: Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state: (a) whether despite being world’s fourth largest producer, India is the second largest importer of the dry fuel and if so, the details thereof: (b) whether it is also a fact that India is still importing coal, if so, the details thereof: (c) whether the Government has brought in any reforms in coal sector with the vision to build an “Atma Nirbhar Bharat’’, by promoting commercial mining of coal in the country and unlocking coal mining for private players; and (d) if so, the details thereof along with the achievements made by the Government in this regards?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS, COAL AND MINES (SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI)

(a): As per Coal Directory 2020-21, India is the second largest coal producer and importer in the world. (b): The quantity of total coal imported during last five years and current year upto the month of January, 2022 is given below:-

Year 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 upto Jan.2022

(in Million Tonnes) Import of Coal 191.01 208.25 235.35 248.54 215.25 173.32

(c)&(d): Order regarding methodology for auction of coal and lignite mines / blocks for sale of coal / lignite on revenue sharing basis and tenure of coking coal linkage was issued on 28.05.2020. Auction process for auction of coal blocks for sale of coal has been launched on 18.06.2020.

Amendments have been made in the Mines & Mineral (Development & Regulation) (MMDR) Act and the Coal Mines (Special Provision) (CMSP) Act to ensure wider participation and competition in auction of coal mines. The amendments in the Acts would enable the following: • Allocation of coal blocks for composite prospecting license-cum-mining lease which will help in increasing of the inventory of coal/lignite blocks for allocation. • Repetitive and redundant provision requiring previous approval of Central government even in cases where the allocation or reservation of coal/lignite block has been made by the Central Government itself has been done away with. • Provided flexibility to the Central Govt. in deciding the end use of Schedule II and III coal mines under the CMSP Act. • Companies which do not possess any prior coal mining experience in India can now participate in auction of coal blocks. In view of the amendments made in CMSP Act, the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Rules, 2014 were also amended through the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Amendment Rules, 2020 and the same has been notified on 29.05.2020. Since Launch of auction of coal mines for commercial mining in June 2020, a total of 4 rounds of auction have been conducted in which total 292 coal mines were offered. In 3 rounds, 42 coal mines have been successfully auctioned. Further, in respect of 4th round of auction, bids were opened on 02.03.2022 and 2 or more bids have been received in respect of 5 coal mines and 6 coal mines have fetched single bids. The Ministry of Coal has amended Mineral Concession Rules,1960 with a view to allowing sale of coal or lignite, on payment of additional amount, by the lessee of a captive mine up to 50 percent of the total coal or lignite produced in a financial year, after meeting the requirement of the end use plant linked with the mine.

Q. No. 2478. DEMAND FOR COAL 16.03.2022

SHRI FEROZE VARUN GANDHI: Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state: (a) whether the Ministry was consulted before India’s declaration at COP21 that India would phase down the use of coal and if so, the details thereof; (b) whether as per Economic Survey, the demand for coal in India would be between 1.3-1.5 billion tones by 2030; (c) if so, whether the Ministry acknowledges that this is a massive increase from the current demand for coal; and (d) if so, the manner in which the Ministry plans to keep up with the declaration that India would phase down coal?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS, COAL AND MINES (SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI)

(a): Due consultations were held for finalizing India's approach for negotiations at COP 21 and prior to signing the Paris Agreement. (b)to(d): Yes, Sir. As per Economic Survey, the demand for coal is expected to remain in the

range of 1.3-1.5 billion tonnes by 2030. Coal is the most important and abundant fossil fuel in India and accounts for 55% of the country's energy need. Commercial primary energy consumption in India has grown by about 700% in the last four decades. The current per capita commercial primary energy consumption in India is about 350 kgoe/year. Coal is not only the primary source of energy in the country but is also used as an intermediary by many industries such as steel, sponge iron, cement, paper, brick-kilns etc. Similarly, with increase in growth of industries using coal, their demand for coal has also been increasing; hence, there has been an overall increase in the demand of coal over the years. Being an affordable source of energy with substantial reserve, coal is going to stay as major source of energy in the foreseeable future. Despite push for renewables, country will require base load capacity of coal-based generation for stability and also for energy security. Overarching decisions titled ‘Glasgow Climate Pact’ reflect the following agreement between parties with regard to coal and fossil fuel subsidies: ‘Calls upon Parties to accelerate the development, deployment and dissemination of technologies, and the adoption of policies, to transition towards low emission energy systems, including by rapidly scaling up the deployment of clean power generation and energy efficiency measures, including accelerating efforts towards the phasedown of unabated coal power and phase-out of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, while providing targeted support to the poorest and most vulnerable in line with National circumstances and recognizing the need for support towards a just transition’. It is evident that above paragraph is not mandating the phase down of coal power, and it is not setting any timelines for the phase down. Further, the paragraph is only ‘calling upon’ Parties to accelerate efforts towards the phase down of unabated coal power in line with national circumstances and recognizing the need for support towards a just transition. Paris Agreement is a multilateral treaty for combating climate change. Accordingly, while India has committed to clean energy; the pace of transition to cleaner energy sources in India is to be viewed in the light of national circumstances, and principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, the transfer of climate finance and low cost climate technologies.

Q. No. 2502. COAL FIRED GENERATION 16.03.2022

SHRI T.R. BAALU: Will the Minister of Coal be pleased to state: (a) whether disagreement among electricity generators, Coal India Limited (CIL) and the Indian Railways may hamper economy looking to grow at over 8 per cent because coal-fired generation is the key to lubricating India’s growth for the next few years; (b) if so, the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to step up imports and fix unreliable logistics to stave off the kind of crisis that threatened electricity generators during last year; and (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS, COAL AND MINES (SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI)

(a): Coal supplies to power sector is being regularly monitored by an Inter-Ministerial Sub Group comprising of representatives from Ministries of Power, Ministry of Coal, Ministry of Railways, Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Coal India Limited (CIL), Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) and NTPC etc. to take various operational decisions to enhance supply of coal to thermal power plants as well as for meeting any contingent situations relating to Power Sector including to alleviate critical coal stock position in power plants.

In 2021-2022 (upto February, 2022) coal supply to Power sector from all domestic sources was 611.43 Million Tonnes(MT) with a growth of about 25.55% against the supply of 486.98 Million tonnes during the same period of last year. The coal import by power sector reduced from 39.013 MT in 2020-21(upto January,2021) to 22.73 MT during the same period of this fiscal. The source wise details of Domestic coal supply to power sector is given below:(Figures in Million Tonnes)

Company/Year 2020-21* 2021-22* % growth

CIL 397.99 487.88 22.6 SCCL 35.97 48.91 36.0

Captive 53.02 74.64 40.77 Total 486.98 611.43 25.55 *Provisional

Similarly, in 2021-2022 (upto February 2022) domestic coal-based generation was 901.82 BU with a growth of about 16% against the actual generation of 777.84 BU during the same period of last year. (b) and (c): As per the current import policy, coal is kept under Open General License (OGL) and consumers are free to import coal from the source of their choice as per their contractual prices on payment of applicable duty. In view of limited domestic production of coking coal, coking coal will continue to be imported for use by the steel sector. Thermal power based on domestic coal may use imported coal up to 10% for blending with domestic coal, where technically feasible, to meet the increased power demand in the country. Logistic of imported coal movement for GENCOs which are sourcing coal from import have been planned in consultation with Railways, Ministry of Power and Ministry of Coal. Q. No. 2503. SHORTAGE OF COAL 16.03.2022

SHRI B.N.BACHE GOWDA: Will the Minister of Coal be pleased to state: (a) the reasons for the shortage of coal during pandemic and the action taken by the Government to ensure this shortage does not happen again; (b) the number of coal mines functioning in the country; (c) whether the country is self sufficient in coal production and if not, the percentage of coal imported to India from various countries?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS, COAL AND MINES (SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI)

(a): Owing to Covid-19 pandemic, the subdued demand in power and non-power sectors had adversely affected coal dispatch from the coal companies. The pithead coal stock at Coal India Limited was 99.33 Million Tonnes (MT) as on 1st April, 2021 and 28.66 MT at the Thermal Power Plants end. The coal production got regulated due to high levels of coal inventory and less demand from the consumers. There is no shortage of coal in the country. Due to increased demand of power, less power generation by imported coal based power plants and some interruption in supply of coal due to heavy rains, the coal stock at the power plants depleted to 7.2 MT as on 8th October, 2021. Subsequently with increased coal supplies, the coal stock has started increasing and has now reached 26.5 MT as on 09.03.2022 with respect to the plants based on domestic coal. In addition, coal stock at Coal India Limited (CIL) and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) pithead as on 13.03.2022 is 47.95 MT and 4.49MT respectively. The following action has been taken by Government to further enhance the production and supply of coal in the country:

i. Commercial Auction of coal on revenue share mechanism: Auction of commercial mining on Revenue Sharing Mechanism was launched on 18.06.2020 by Hon’ble Prime Minister. Under this scheme, total of 2 tranches have been successfully completed and third Tranche is currently under process. From these two tranches total of 28 coal mines have been successfully auctioned for which Vesting order have in signed for 27 coal mines. ii. Allow sale of excess coal production: The Ministry of Coal has amended Mineral Concession Rules, 1960 with a view to allowing sale of coal or lignite, on payment of additional amount, by the lessee of a captive mine up to 50 percent of the total coal or lignite produced in a financial year, after meeting the requirement of the end use plant linked with the mine. The Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act had been amended in 2021. This is applicable for both the private and public sector captive mines. With this amendment, the Government has paved the way for releasing of additional coal in the market by greater utilization of mining capacities of captive coal and lignite blocks,which were being only partly utilized owing to limited production of coal for meeting their captive needs. iii. Rolling auction: In order to expedite the process for conducting auction and to carryout more rounds of auction in a year, a mechanism of rolling auctions of coal mines has been planned. Under this mechanism, upon completion of the electronic auction process of a tranche, the next tranche of auction would be launched for following mines: a. Mines where no bid or only single bid was received in the previous tranche of auction (except for those mines where Ministry of Coal decides to go for second attempt of auction) b .New mines, if any, identified by Ministry of

Year Domestic Production 2020-21* 716.08

*Provisional Coal. In the current III tranche of commercial auction, total of 48 coal mines have been rolled over from the II tranche of mines. iv. Single Window Clearance: The Union government has already launched Single Window Clearance portal on 11.01.2021 for the coal sector to speed up the operationalisation of coal mines. It is an unified platform that facilitates grant of clearances and approvals required for starting a coal mine in India. Now, the complete process shall be facilitated through Single Window Clearance Portal, which will map not only the relevant application formats, but also process flow for grant of approval or clearances. Considering the increased demand as projected by the Ministry of Power, Coal India Limited (CIL) has already taken steps to augment the dispatch & build-up stock at power plants end which is as under: o CIL has planned to supply 565 Million Tonne (MT) during 2022-2023 to the power sector to meet the generation requirement of domestic coal-based power generators. o CIL has already additionally allocated 11.2 MT of coal from its high stock mines through RCR mode which is to be lifted from different Goods Shed/Private Washeries to build up stock at the plant end. o Railways are regularly being requested to give priority in supply of rakes to the power generators. o CIL has already started building stock at its railway sidings to facilitate adequate rake loading for power sector. (b): The number of functioning coal mines in India as on 31.03.2021 is 442. (c): The details of production and consumption of coal in the country during the year 2020-21is as under:

(Fig. in MT)

Domestic Dispatch Total Import Total Consumption (Domestic Dispatch + Import % Import 690.88 215.25 906.13 23.75

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL

RAJYA SABHA

Q. No. 181. ROYALTY ON COAL

21.03.2022

SHRI MUZIBULLA KHAN: Will the Minister of Coal be pleased to state: (a) Whether the rate of royalty on coal has not been revised even after lapse of more than nine years; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) Whether Government has constituted a Study Group to consider revision of rate of royalty on coal on 21 July 2014 and the State of Odisha has been demanding that the rate of royalty on coal should be enhanced from 14 per cent to 20 per cent of sale value; and (d) Whether Government will consider enhancement of royalty on coal?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS, COAL AND MINES (SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI) (a) to (d) : A statement is laid on the Table of the House. Statement referred to in reply to parts (a) to (d) of Rajya Sabha Starred Question No. 181 for answer on 21.03.2022 asked by Shri Muzibulla Khan: (a) : Yes. The rate of royalty on coal was last revised w.e.f 10.05.2012.

(b) : The proviso of Section 9(3) of the Mines and Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, provides that the Central Government may, by notification in the official Gazette, amend the second schedule (which specifies rates of royalty) so as to enhance or reduce the rate at which royalty shall be payable in respect of any mineral with effect from such date as may be specified in the notification, provided that the Central Government shall not enhance the rate of royalty in respect of any mineral more than once during any period of three years. As such, there is no mandatory provision in the Act to revise the rates of royalty every three years. A Study Group was constituted on 21.07.2014, for the purpose of examining the issue of revision of royalty rates on coal and lignite. The Study Group had examined the issue in depth and held consultation with stakeholders. The study group inferred from the comments of the stakeholders that the coal producing States had suggested to increase the rates of royalty from existing 14% to roughly 20%, whereas the coal consuming stakeholders suggested to reduce the rate of royalty from 14% to roughly 5 - 6%. The Study Group has considered that there is gain in revenue to the coal producing States due to ad-valorem rates of royalty, coupled with DMF, after last revision in rates of Royalty in the year 2012, whereas implementation of GST has given some relief to the coal consuming States/ Industries. In such a scenario, any increase in rate of royalty will make the power to consumer expensive, whereas decrease in rate will adversely impact the revenue of the Coal producing States. Accordingly, the study group had recommended the following:

i. No change is proposed in rates of royalty on coal from the rates notified vide notification no. G.S.R. 349 (E) dated 10.05.2012. The rate of royalty on coal produced in all states and Union

Territories, except the state of West Bengal, may be kept unchanged i.e. @ 14% (Fourteen Percent) ad-valorem on price of coal, as reflected in the invoice, excluding taxes, levies and other charges.

ii. No change is proposed in rates of royalty on coal produced in the State of West Bengal and royalty thereon may be kept unchanged as rupee per tonne, as notified under G.S.R 349 (E) dated 10.05.2012. The suggestion of Study Group was accepted by the Government.

(c): As mentioned above, a Study Group was constituted on 21.07.2014, for the purpose of examining the issue of revision of royalty rates on coal and lignite.The Study Group suggested no change in rates of royalty on coal from the rates notified on 10.05.2012. The suggestion of Study Group was accepted by the Government. The issue raised by the State of Odisha for enhancing rate of royalty from 14% to 20% was discussed during the Eastern Zonal Council meeting held at Bhubneswar on 28.02.2020. However, after deliberations, the issue was decided to be dropped.

(d): No proposal for enhancement of royalty on coal is under consideration of the Government..

Q. No. 1940. IMPORT OF COAL

21/03/2022

SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR: Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state: (a) the coal import in last five years, year-wise; (b) the decisions and steps taken by Government to increase coal production so that the country does not depend on imports; and (c) the result of all these measures?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS, COAL AND MINES (a): The quantity of total coal imported during last five years is given below:(in Million Tonnes)

Year Import of Coal

2016-17 191.01

2017-18 208.25

2018-19 235.35

2019-20 248.54

2020-21 215.25

(b): The following action has been taken by Government to further enhance the production of the coal in the country: 1. Commercial Auction of coal on revenue share mechanism: Since Launch of auction of coal mines for commercial mining in June 2020, a total of 4 rounds of auction have been conducted in which total 292 coal mines were offered. In 3 rounds, 42 coal mines have been successfully auctioned. Further, in respect of 4th round of auction, bids were opened on 02.03.2022 and 2 or more bids have been received in respect of 5 coal mines and 6 coal mines have fetched single bids. 2. Allowed sale of excess coal production: The Ministry of Coal has amended Mineral Concession Rules, 1960 with a view to allowing sale of coal or lignite, on payment of additional amount to the State Government, by the lessee of a captive mine up to 50 percent of the total coal or lignite produced in a financial year, after meeting the requirement of the end use plant linked with the mine. Earlier this year, the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act had been amended to this effect. This is applicable for both the private and public sector captive mines. With this amendment, the Government has paved the way for releasing of additional coal in the market by greater utilization of mining capacities of captive coal and lignite blocks, which were being only partly utilized owing to limited production of coal for meeting only their captive needs.

3. Rolling auction: In order to expedite the process for conducting auction and to carry out more rounds of auction in a year, a mechanism of rolling auctions of coal mines has been planned. Under this mechanism, upon completion of the electronic auction process of a tranche, the next tranche of auction would be launched for following mines: i. Mines where no bid or only single bid was received in the previous tranche of auction (except for those mines where Ministry of Coal decides to go for second attempt of auction) ii. New mines, if any, identified by Ministry of Coal 4. Single Window Clearance: The Union government has launched Single Window Clearance portal on 11.01.2021 for the coal sector to speed up the operationalisation of coal mines. It is an unified platform that facilitates grant of clearances and approvals required for starting a coal mine in India. Now, the complete process shall be facilitated through Single Window Clearance Portal, which will map not only the relevant application formats, but also process flow for grant of approvals or clearances. 5. Coal India Limited (CIL) has envisaged a coal production programme of one Billion Tonne from CIL mines. CIL has taken the following steps to achieve the target of augmentation of coal production capacity. i. 15 Projects identified with a Capacity of about 160 MTPA (Million Tonnes per Annum) to be operated by Mine Developer cum Operator mode. ii. Capacity addition through special dispensation in Environment Clearance under clause 7(ii) of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) 2006 iii. CIL has taken steps to upgrade the mechanized coal transportation and loading system under 'First Mile Connectivity' projects. (c): The entire demand of coal is not met from domestic production as the supply of high quality coal / coking coal (low-ash-coal) in the country is limited and thus no option is left but to resort to import of coking coal. Further, coal imported by power plants designed on imported coal and high grade coal required for blending purposes cannot be substituted by domestic coal. However, due to increased availability of coal on account of policy measures taken to increase domestic coal production, total coal import declined from 248.54 MT in 2019-20 to 215.25 MT in 2020-21. Further, during April 2021-January 2022, coal import has further decreased to the level of 173.32 MT as compared to 180.56 MT during the corresponding period of previous year. Coal import by Power sector declined from 69.22 MT in 2019-20 to 45.47 MT in 2020-21. Further, during April 2021-January 2022, coal import by Power Sector has decreased to the level of 22.73 MT as compared to 39.01 MT during the corresponding period of previous year.

Q. No. 1942. PLAN TO PREVENT SHORTAGE OF COAL IN SUMMER SEASON

21.03.2022

SHRI SAMIR ORAON: Will the Minister of Coal be pleased to state: (a) whether Government is planning to prevent the shortage of coal in the power plants in the summer season; (b) if so, whether it is contemplating to augment the production of coal under this scheme; and (c) if so, the target set for total production and the quantum which is higher in comparison to the previous year?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS, COAL AND MINES (SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI)

(a): There is no shortage of coal in the country. As per Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the coal stock at power plants end was 25.14 Million Tonne (MT) as on 13th March, 2022, with respect to the power plants based on domestic coal. In addition, coal stock at Coal India Limited

(CIL) and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) pithead as on 13th March, 2022 is 47.95 MT and 4.49 MT respectively. In 2021-22 (up to 10th March, 2022), Coal India (CIL) has dispatched 506.29 MT, with a 23% growth over last year. Similarly, SCCL and captive coal blocks have dispatched 50.38 MT and 77.5 MT coal to power sector (up to 10th Mar’22) which is 34.2% and 40% more than the same period of last year. Further to address the issues of coal supplies to power sector, an Inter-Ministerial Sub Group comprising of representatives from Ministries of Power, Ministry of Coal, Ministry of Railways, Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Coal India Limited (CIL) and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) meet regularly to take various operational decisions to enhance supply of coal to thermal power plants as well as for meeting any contingent situations relating to Power Sector including to alleviate critical coal stock position in power plants. In addition to this, an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) has been constituted comprising of Chairman, Railway Board, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Secretary, Ministry of Power to monitor augmentation of coal supply and power generation capacity. Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and Chairperson, CEA are co-opted as Special Invitees as and when required by the IMC. CEA has also issued revised coal stocking norms, which mandates the power plants to maintain sufficient stock at all times to meet any contingent situation. In addition, Ministry of Power vide OM dated 07.12.2021 has advised power plants to import about 36 MT coal for blending during 2022-23 with a view to build sufficient coal stock at Power Plants. (b): The following action has been taken by Government to further enhance the production and supply of coal in the country: i. Commercial Auction of coal on revenue share mechanism: Auction of commercial mining on Revenue Sharing Mechanism was launched on 18.06.2020 by Hon’ble Prime Minister. Under this scheme, total of 2 tranches have been successfully completed and third Tranche is currently under process. From these two tranches total of 28 coal mines have been successfully auctioned for which Vesting order have in signed for 27 coal mines. ii. Allow sale of excess coal production: The Ministry of Coal has amended Mineral Concession Rules, 1960 with a view to allowing sale of coal or lignite, on payment of additional amount, by the lessee of a captive mine up to 50 percent of the total coal or lignite produced in a financial year, after meeting the requirement of the end use plant linked with the mine. The Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act had been amended in 2021. This is applicable for both the private and public sector captive mines. With this amendment, the Government has paved the way for releasing of additional coal in the market by greater utilization of mining capacities of captive coal and lignite blocks, which were being only partly utilized owing to limited production of coal for meeting their captive needs. iii. Rolling auction: In order to expedite the process for conducting auction and to carryout more rounds of auction in a year, a mechanism of rolling auctions of coal mines has been planned. Under this mechanism, upon completion of the electronic auction process of a tranche, the next tranche of auction would be launched for following mines: a. Mines where no bid or only single bid was received in the previous tranche of auction (except for those mines where Ministry of Coal decides to go for second attempt of auction) b .New mines, if any, identified by Ministry of Coal. In the current III tranche of commercial auction, total of 48 coal mines have been rolled over from the II tranche of mines. iv. Single Window Clearance: The Union government has already launched Single Window Clearance portal on 11.01.2021 for the coal sector to speed up the operationalisation of coal mines. It is an unified platform that facilitates grant of clearances and approvals required for starting a coal mine in India. Now, the complete process shall be facilitated through Single Win-

dow Clearance Portal, which will map not only the relevant application formats, but also process flow for grant of approval or clearances. Considering the increased demand as projected by the Ministry of Power, Coal India Limited (CIL) has already taken steps to augment the dispatch & build-up stock at power plants end which is as under: o CIL has planned to supply 565 Million Tonne (MT) during 2022-2023 to the power sector to meet the generation requirement of domestic coal-based power generators. o CIL has already additionally allocated 11.2 MT of coal from its high stock mines through RCR mode which is to be lifted from different Goods Shed/Private Washeries to build up stock at the plant end. (c): All India Coal Production and Target from 2020-21 to 2021-22 is given below:

(Quantity in Million Tonne)

Years

All India Coal Production Annual Target Actual 2020-21* 828.50 716.08

2021-22* 848.00

*Provisional

681.516 (Upto-February 2022)

Q. No. 1943. STRATEGIC ROADMAP TO REDUCE COAL BASED ENERGY PRODUCTION 21.03.2022

SMT. PRIYANKA CHATURVEDI: Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state: (a) whether Government has prepared any strategic roadmap for the next five years to reduce coal based energy production to achieve the targets promised at Glasgow Climate Change Conference; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether Government has envisioned any plan for the workers who will be unemployed due to the closing down of coal based power plants; and (d) if so, the details thereof? MINISTER OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS, COAL AND MINES (SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI)

(a)&(b): Coal is the most important and abundant fossil fuel in India and accounts for 55% of the country's energy need. Being an affordable source of energy with substantial reserve, coal is going to stay as major source of energy in the foreseeable future. Despite push for renewables, country will require base load capacity of coal-based generation for stability and also for energy security. Overarching decisions titled ‘Glasgow Climate Pact’ reflect the following agreement between parties with regard to coal and fossil fuel subsidies: ‘Calls upon Parties to accelerate the development, deployment and dissemination of technologies, and the adoption of policies, to transition towards low emission energy systems, including by rapidly scaling up the deployment of clean power generation and energy efficiency measures, including accelerating efforts towards the phasedown of unabated coal power and phase-out of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, while providing targeted support to the poorest and most vulnerable in line with National circumstances and recognizing the need for support towards a just transition’. It is evident that above paragraph is not mandating the phase down of coal power, and it is not setting any timelines for the phase down. Further, the paragraph is only ‘calling upon’ Parties to accelerate efforts towards the phase down of unabated coal power in line with national circumstances and recognizing the need for support towards a just transition. Paris Agreement is a multilateral treaty for combating climate change. Accordingly, while India has committed to clean energy; the pace of transition to cleaner energy sources in India is to be viewed in the light of national circumstances, and principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, the transfer of climate finance and low cost climate technologies. (c)&(d): Questions do not arise in view of reply to part (a)&(b) of the question.