Union Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy has stated that the 12 years of the Narendra Modi government have brought about a major transformation in India’s coal and mining sector.

 

Addressing a press conference at Film City in Hyderabad yesterday, he said India has achieved a record coal production of one billion tonnes, making it the world’s second-largest coal producer. He said the coal sector provides direct employment to about five lakh people and indirect employment to nearly 25 lakh people.

 

Mr. Reddy said coal imports have declined over the past two years, leading to savings of around 60 thousand crore rupees. He added that the government is promoting coal gasification through incentives worth 46 thousand crore rupees to reduce dependence on imported fertilisers and natural gas.

 

The Minister said coal remains the backbone of India’s energy sector, contributing around 72 per cent of the country’s electricity generation. He also highlighted reforms such as transparent coal block auctions and the launch of the National Critical Mineral Mission to strengthen resource security and support economic growth.