Question : MAHARATNA STATUS TO COAL INDIA LIMITED

(a) whether Coal India Ltd. is likely to be conferred Maharatna status; and

(b) if so, the extent to which it is likely to improve the financial performance of the company?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COAL (SHRI PRATIK PRAKASHBAPU PATIL)

(a): A proposal for conferring Maharatna status has been received from Coal India Limited and the same is under consideration at present, in consultation with Department of Public Enterprises.

(b): A Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE), conferred with the Maharatna status would have greater delegation of financial and operational powers to its Board of Directors so as to further expand its operations, and improve its financial performance, especially in global markets. The Board of Directors of such Maharatna CPSE shall also have the powers for mergers and acquisitions, subject to certain conditions.