Lok Sabha Question No. 1067 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-02-08
Subject: Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy
Ministry: COAL
Asked by: Bhola Singh, Rajveer (Raju Bhaiya) Singh, Jayanta Kumar Roy, Vinod Kumar Sonkar, Raja Amareshwara Naik, Sukanta Majumdar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1067 TO BE ANSWERED ON 08.02.2023

## Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy

1067.   SHRI BHOLA SINGH: SHRI RAJVEER SINGH (RAJU BHAIYA): DR. JAYANTA KUMAR ROY: SHRI VINOD KUMAR SONKAR: SHRI RAJA AMARESHWARA NAIK: DR. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR:

Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to introduce competition, transparency and private sector participation in the coal sector through a revenue sharing mechanism instead of regime of fixed rupee/tonne;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to implement new Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) policy in Coal Mining Areas in the country;
- (d) if so, the details thereof;
- (e)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  make  provisions  regarding  the  compensation  to  the affected villagers based on the fair and transparent process;
- (f) if so, the details thereof; and
- (g) the steps being taken by the Government to address the welfare of all project affected people through various welfare measures?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF COAL, MINES & PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI)

(a) and (b) Yes, Sir. To reduce dependence on coal import and to give a boost to domestic coal production to realize the aim of Atma Nirbhar Bharat in coal sector by encouraging private sector participation in a transparent manner, scheme of auction of commercial mining on revenue sharing mechanism was launched on 18.06.2020. Till date, auction process of 64 coal blocks has been

completed. Terms and conditions of commercial coal mining are very liberal with no restriction on  utilization  of  coal,  allowing  new  companies  to  participate  in  the  bidding  process,  reduced upfront  amount,  adjustment  of  upfront  amount  against  monthly  payment,  liberal  efficiency parameters to encourage flexibility to operationalize the coal mines, transparent bidding process, 100% Foreign Direct Investment [FDI] through automatic route and revenue sharing model based on the National Coal Index. These features are aimed to promote competition, transparency and to boost private sector participation in the coal sector.

(c), (d),(e),(f) & (g) Subsidiaries of Coal India Limited (CIL) are following R&R Policy of CIL, 2012 along with some subsidiary wise modifications, considering the unique conditions of the particular subsidiary and are providing direct employment to the land losers at the rate of one employment for every 02 acres of land either in descending order of land lost or under package deal concept, where small land owners are allowed to club their small portion of land to make 02 acres of land for one employment of their nominee. The land loser has the option for availing R&R benefits passed by the Collector of the State or CIL's R&R Policy 2012, whichever is beneficial to the land loser.

Post  notification  of  the  Right  to  Fair  Compensation  and  Transparency  in  Land  Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RFCTLARR) (Removal of Difficulties) Order 2015, it has been decided that all the subsidiaries are to adhere to the provisions of First, Second and Third Schedule of  RFCTLARR  Act  2013  for  the  land  acquired  under  Coal  Bearing  Areas  (Acquisition  and Development) Act 1957. Further, Subsidiary Companies Boards have been authorized to approve necessary modifications in the R&R Policy with reference to unique conditions prevailing at the concerned subsidiaries as the policy is not exhaustive.

Various welfare activities related to skill development, financial assistance, healthcare, education, sanitation, women  empowerment, etc. are also being taken up under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for welfare of project affected people.

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