(a) whether coal has been excluded from the ambit of the Essential
Commodities Act (ECA);
(b) if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Government has received any request to include coal
under the Essential Commodities Act in view of its importance as a fuel;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the reaction of the Government thereon?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(PROF. K. V. THOMAS)
(a): Yes Madam,
(b): Coal was earlier classified as an essential commodity in terms of the
Essential Commodities Act, 1955. With the enactment of the Essential Commodities
(Amendment) Act, 2006 coal stands omitted from the list of essential commodities.
The said amendment came into force with effect from 12.02.2007. In order to regulate
colliery operations, coal transportation etc., The Colliery Control rules 2004 have
been framed under the Mines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act, 1957 and were
notified in the Gazette of India on 25.08.2004.
(c): No Madam
(d) & (e): Does not arise