(a) whether the Government proposes to set up a Coal
Regulatory Authority in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the views of the concerned Ministries/Departments
in the matter have since been obtained;
(d) if so, the broad details thereof and the time by which the
Authority is likely to be set up; and
(e) the benefits likely to accrue to the coal producing States,
consumers and other stakeholders from the setting up of the said Authority?
MINISTER OF COAL (SHRI SRIPRAKASH JAISWAL)
(a) to (e) : A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT AS MENTIONED IN LOK SABHA STARRRED QUESTION NO.148 FOR ANSWER
ON 10.8.2011 ASKED BY SHRI RADHE MOHAN SINGH AND DR. KRUPARANI KILLI
REGARDING COAL REGULATORY AUTHORITY
(a) & (b) : Yes, Sir. The Coal Regulatory Authority is proposed to
be set up to regulate and conserve resources in the coal sector; protect
the interests of consumers and producers of coal and for matters connected
therewith or incidental thereto. The proposed Regulator is expected to
create a more level playing field for all the players in the coal sector
and to facilitate faster resolution of issues relating to economic pricing
of coal, bench marking of standards of performance, etc.
(c) & (d) : Yes Sir, The comments of concerned Ministries/Departments
have been received. However, it was noticed that some major changes/suggestions
have been made by various Ministries/Departments. At present, suitable
incorporation of these changes/suggestions is being examined in consultation
with the Ministry of Law. Once finalized the draft Bill would be submitted
for the approval of the competent authority. However, it may not be possible
to indicate the exact time frame by which the proposed Authority is likely
to be set up.
(e) : As stated above, the likely benefits of the Coal Regulatory Authority
would be more optimal development of coal resources of the country, which would
ensure that the Indian coal companies raise their level of competence to be at
par with international competitors. As it would also deal with the issues like
mining authorization, production and supply of coal, specify & determine the
grades/quality of coal, price of coal, and adjudicate disputes amongst producers
and consumers, it is expected to protect the interests of consumers and producers
of coal and would effectively deal with the matters connected therewith or
incidental thereto.
The proposed Coal Regulatory Authority would facilitate more standardized
operational norms, establishment of bench marks in safety standards and performance,
productivity etc through adoption of best mining practices, which would entail
effective resolution of problems confronted by all the stakeholders including
coal producing States and coal miners.