Ministry of Mines calls for single window clearance for coal blocks

The Ministry of Mines (MoM) has requested the Ministry of Coal (MoC) to evolve a mechanism to issue single window clearances to coal block allottees, as per the recommendations of Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU). Clearances for captive and leased coal blocks, inherently being time-consuming and cumbersome, lead to substantial time and cost overruns in the development of the blocks, the mines ministry has asserted. This proposal of single window clearance, if executed, would require active participation of other ministries like the Ministry of Power (MoP) and the Ministry of Steel as well.

This request come in the background of COPU conducting a comprehensive examination of National Aluminum Company Limited (NALCO) and thereby recommending a mechanism to issue single window clearances for bauxite as well as coal mining.