Strategic Move Towards Energy Security: Minister Pralhad Joshi Unveils “Strategy Papers on Coal Import Substitution

New Delhi: Pralhad Joshi, the Minister of Coal, Mines & Parliamentary Affairs, unveiled the “Strategy Papers on Coal Import Substitution” today at a significant event hosted at the Ministry of Coal. The release of these strategy papers marks a crucial step towards achieving energy security and bolstering self-sufficiency in coal production, aligning with the vision of making India Atmanirbhar. The event witnessed the presence of Amrit Lal Meena, Secretary (Coal) (through VC), Vismita Tej, Additional Secretary, MoC, along with senior officials from the Ministry and various coal companies including CIL, NLCIL, and SCCL (through VC).

In its pursuit of reducing coal imports and ensuring self-sufficiency in the energy sector, the Ministry of Coal has formed an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC). The committee, chaired by the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, comprises members from key ministries and stakeholders, including Commerce, Power, Railways, Shipping, Mines, Steel, DPIIT, MSME, Niti Aayog, CCO, and major coal-producing companies such as CIL and SCCL.

The “Strategy Papers on Coal Import Substitution” serve as a comprehensive report prepared by the IMC. The papers delve into the current energy mix of the country, domestic coal production, trends, and projections, sector-wise import trends, measures already taken by the government for coal import substitution, and crucially, the future roadmap and recommendations of the committee in this direction.

The strategic papers provide an in-depth analysis of intricate issues, offering valuable insights, well-thought-out strategies, and imperative actions to mitigate import dependency and amplify domestic coal production. The release of these strategy papers underscores the government’s commitment to fostering energy security and realizing the vision of self-sufficiency in coal production. Shri Pralhad Joshi expressed optimism about the positive impact of these strategic measures on India’s coal sector, contributing significantly to the nation’s energy security and self-reliance goals.