The government has implemented significant reforms in the coal sector over the past few years, and the allocation process for coal blocks has become more transparent.
Responding to supplementary questions during Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha today, Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy stated 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 added that coal continues to play a crucial role in India's energy sector, and approximately 74% of the country's electricity generation is based on coal-based thermal power plants. Mr. Reddy further stated that the government has also intensified coal exploration activities to further enhance domestic production.
The Minister said that India is currently the second-largest producer and consumer of coal globally. He added that 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.