INCREASED PRODUCTION AND BETTER PERFORMANCE BY CIL - SHRI PRASAD

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LOK SABHA

Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Minister of State for Coal, Mines, Law & Justice while answering questions today in Lok Sabha stated that the production of coal during the last three years has increased from 304.10 MT to 327.64 MT. The production was 304.10 MT during the year 1999-2000, 313.70 MT during 2000-01 and has increased to 327.64 MT during 2001-02.

Shri Prasad said that production of coal in Chhatisgarh and Madhya Pradesh has also increased from 92.73 MT during 2000-01 to 97.78 MT during 20001-02.

The Minister said that Coal India Limited (CIL) has earned a profit of 1400 crores (provisional) approximately due to the increased production, off-take and productivity during 2001-02 whereas it had incurred a loss of 1414.47 crores during 2000-01.

The States of Chhatisgarh and Madhya Pradesh were paid royalty amounting to Rs. 688.10 crore during 1999-00, 714.02 during 2000-01 and 745.82 crore during 2001-02, the Minister said. The royalty rates on coal were last revised on October 11, 1994. The next enhancement during October 10, 1997 could not be done as it was decided not to enhance the royalty rates because the major coal consuming sectors such as steel, cement and power were passing through a recessional phase. It was felt that any increase in royalty on coal at that stage would deepen the crisis for the power, steel and for the whole economy. Revision of royalty rates is under the active consideration of the Government. he added.

Shri Prasad said that coal supply to non-existent industries, under linkage, has been stopped after verification by Vigilance Authorities. Supply of coal to brick-kiln and line-kiln in non-core sector is also under the consideration of Coal Ministry.