Question : SHIFTING OF HEADQUARTER OF COAL INDIA LTD.

(a) whether most of the coal mining activities are being carried out in Jharkhand whereas Kolkata and West Bengal have very little share in the coal mining activities;

(b) if so, whether the Government are contemplating to shift the Headquarters of Coal India Limited from Kolkata to Ranchi;

(c) if so, the details of the proposal; and

(d) if not, the reasons therefor ?

MINISTER OF COAL (SHRI KARIYA MUNDA)

(a) : The number of coal mines working as on 1.4.2003 in the State of West Bengal and Jharkhand are 97 and 158 respectively.

(b) : No, sir.

(c) : Question does not arise.

(d) : Coal India Limited headquarter has been in Kolkata for a long time. There is no justification for shifting it to Ranchi.