Govt approves policy to use coal mines land for infrastructure

The Union Cabinet approved the policy for land acquired under the Coal Bearing Areas (CBA) (Acquisition & Development) Act, 1957, so that land which is mined out or is practically unsuited for coal mining can be used for developing and establishing coal and energy related infrastructure.

The CBA Act allows for the free and clear acquisition of coal-bearing property and vesting in government business.The policy establishes the parameters for the use of such land for energy and coal-related infrastructure.

It means that property owned by government firms like Coal India Limited (CIL) can now be leased out to private businesses for infrastructure development through joint ventures (JV) with CIL.

This unlocking of un-mineable land will also help CIL reduce its operating costs since it will be able to build coal-related infrastructure and other projects like solar plants on its territory using new business models in collaboration with the private sector.

It will make coal gasification projects viable since coal would not have to be delivered to distant locations.

The use of the already acquired property would help reduce new land acquisition and accompanying displacement and simultaneously promote local manufacturing and industry.

The cabinet also approved the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) and the Manitoba Securities Commission in Canada.

It would allow Manitoban investors to register as Foreign Portfolio Investors with Sebi. Around 20 Manitoba-domiciled FPIs with a total AUC of Rs 2,665 crore are projected to gain and be able to continue investing in Indian markets.

The Cabinet also authorised the signing of an Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) for decentralised domestic waste water management between the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD&GR), the Ministry of Jal Shakti, and the Japanese Ministry of the Environment.

It is proposed that a Management Council (MC) should be formed to oversee the execution of the MoC by establishing comprehensive collaborative activities and tracking progress.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) also approved the continuation of the revamped centrally sponsored scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) for implementation from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2026 (co-terminus with the XV Finance Commission period) to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions' governance capabilities (PRIs).

The scheme's overall financial outlay is Rs 5,911 crore, with the central government contributing Rs 3,700 crore and the states contributing Rs 2,211 crore.

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Also read: Coal India's capex grows 12% to Rs 14,834 crore in FY22