The Ministry of Coal organised a two-day Chintan Shivir on January 5–6, 2026, at Manesar, under the chairmanship of Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy and co-chaired by Minister of State Satish Chandra Dubey. The conclave brought together senior leadership of the coal ecosystem to review sectoral progress and chart a clear, execution-focused roadmap aligned with India’s long-term energy security and development priorities.
Strategic Platform for Reform and Institutional Transformation
The Chintan Shivir was attended by Vikram Dev Dutt, senior officials of the Ministry of Coal, CMDs of Coal and Lignite PSUs, and top executives including leadership from Coal India Limited. The forum enabled participants to move beyond routine administration and engage in outcome-oriented deliberations on reforms, performance, productivity, and institutional transformation.
Coal’s Central Role in India’s Energy Security
In his keynote address, Shri G. Kishan Reddy emphasised that coal remains an indispensable pillar of India’s energy security, even as the country advances its clean energy transition. He highlighted that coal provides reliable base-load power and supports critical sectors such as steel and cement.
The Union Minister noted that FY 2024–25 marked a historic milestone, with India achieving its highest-ever coal production of over 1,047 million tonnes, reflecting improved capacity creation, operational efficiency, and coordination across the value chain.
Focus on Uniformity, Safety, and Community Welfare
Shri Reddy called for reforms anchored in uniformity and standardisation across Coal PSUs, with clear benchmarks and predictable outcomes. He stressed:
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Time-bound plans to maximise equipment utilisation and asset productivity
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Rigorous safety norms with the goal of zero accidents
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Integration of community welfare initiatives in coal-bearing regions
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Strong emphasis on afforestation, mine reclamation, and ecological restoration
He also noted that rising domestic production and improved logistics have led to a significant reduction in coal imports, resulting in substantial foreign exchange savings and positioning India closer to self-reliance.
From Deliberation to Delivery
Urging faster execution, the Union Minister directed that outcomes of the Chintan Shivir must cascade to all organisational levels. He called upon Coal PSUs to move decisively from planning to performance, setting higher benchmarks in productivity, safety, sustainability, innovation, and community engagement.
Operational Priorities and Accountability
Addressing the gathering, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey reaffirmed coal’s critical role in ensuring stability as India expands renewable energy capacity. He stressed:
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Strengthening washery capacities to improve coal quality
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Institutionalising clear accountability, with designated officers for each mine block
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Accelerating First Mile Connectivity projects for mechanised evacuation and logistics efficiency
He also highlighted the growing role of digital platforms and technology-driven solutions in enhancing efficiency, safety, and service delivery.
Execution, Technology, and Measurable Outcomes
In his opening remarks, Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt stated that policy clarity and institutional reforms are firmly in place, and the focus must now shift to delivery, discipline, and measurable outcomes. He underscored that technology adoption—digital systems, real-time monitoring, AI-enabled platforms, and data-driven decision-making—must become standard practice across the coal value chain.
He emphasised that environmental responsibility, sustainability, and social accountability are integral to operational excellence.
Thematic Sessions and Reform Agenda
The Chintan Shivir featured structured sessions on:
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Reforms Planned, focusing on modernising Fuel Supply Agreements, KPIs for quality and delivery, AI-enabled tender evaluation, governance reforms, and digital transformation
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Cost Optimisation in Operations, targeting productivity enhancement
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Speeding Up Exploration and Early Operationalisation of Mines
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Coal Quality Improvement, Underground Mining, and Competitiveness with Commercial Mining
Each session involved interactive deliberations aimed at identifying bottlenecks and evolving actionable solutions.
Strengthening Capacity Building: Ministry of Coal
During the event, Shri G. Kishan Reddy inaugurated a new Executive Hostel at the Indian Institute of Coal Management, Ranchi. The facility is designed to strengthen residential and training infrastructure, reinforcing IICM’s role in leadership development and capacity building for the coal sector.
Conclusion
The two-day Chintan Shivir marked a decisive shift from reform discussions to a performance-driven execution culture in the coal sector. With clarity of direction, accountability, and a strong focus on measurable outcomes, the Ministry of Coal reaffirmed its commitment to reinforcing national energy security, self-reliance, and sustainable development. As India progresses towards Viksit Bharat 2047, the coal sector stands poised to play a critical, responsible, and future-ready role in the country’s growth story.
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Source: PIB
