(a) whether the recent strike by Coal India Limited (CIL) unions has affected the supply of coal in the country;
(b) if so, the reasons behind the strike and the estimated loss occurred due to such strike;
(c) the steps taken by the Government to mitigate the concerns of the workers; and
(d) the steps taken by the Government to prevent such a recurrence in the disruption of coal mining?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF COAL, POWER AND NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)
(a) & (b): The strike by Coal India Limited (CIL) Unions affected the supply of coal in the country. The reasons behind the strike were certain policy decisions taken by the Government in the coal sector viz. enabling clause of Coal Mines (Special Provi- sions) Ordinance, 2014, disinvestment in CIL, as well as certain issues pertaining to CIL and its subsidiaries. The loss of production was about 1.5 million tonne.
(c) & (d): A meeting under the Chairmanship of Minister of State (IC) for Coal was convened on 71.2015 with Central Trade Union representatives. Hon’ble Minister explained the views of Government in this regard and dispelled the concerns /appre- hensions of the Trade Unions. It was agreed to constitute a Committee under the Chairmanship of Joint Secretary, Ministry of Coal comprising of representatives of five Central Trade Unions, Coal India Ltd. and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) to deliberate the issues and to submit its recommendations to the Government.