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The Power Division Secretary has ruled out the allegation that the draft of the National Coal Policy would discourage foreign investment in the sector. He claimed that the present government is sincere for the development of the coal sector and the policy would be the showcase of such sincerity. He said if the coal extracted from the mines is used locally, five to six percent royalty will have to be given and no change has been made in this case. Rather, in a bid to encourage use of coal locally, there are some provisions for coal export. According to those rules, additional royalty must be given for export.
When his attention was drawn to the policy’s provision that the investor would be able to export coal to that amount, which will be used for other sectors rather than production of power, and what is the use of coal in the country at a larger extent rather than production of power, he did not reply directly. But he said the rule is there so that none can provide the opportunity to any company to export coal for their petty interest.
The policy stated that a Citizen’s Coordination Committee would be formed in the district of coalmine with Deputy Commissioner of the district in the chair. Exploration and development of coal mine must take place under their supervision and direction. Asked if it could be possible, he said the rule is framed so that participation of local people is ensured. In reply to a query, the secretary said the policy would not hurt or discourage any investor.
In reply to another query, he said: "We had prepared the draft of the Coal Policy keeping all the sides in our mind and sent it to the cabinet for approval and it was obviously up to the mark." Asked why they were changing that, the Secretary said, “The draft was sent to experts from the Prime Minister’s Office for review and their opinion on it. We have reframed it upon their recommendations. After compilation, we will send both the document—the previous draft and the present one – to the Chief Adviser. Whichever they think better will be sent to the Cabinet for final approval.”
Asked about widespread rumor if the incumbent government was sincere enough to frame Coal Policy, he said the policy would be finalized by June next.
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