Parliamentary panels to discuss West Asia developments, coal block allocation process
New Delhi, June 15
Two Parliamentary Standing Committees are scheduled to meet on Monday to deliberate on issues related to road infrastructure and the coal sector.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture will meet at 11:00 am in the Parliament House Annexe Extension (PHAE). The committee is scheduled to hold discussions with the Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, on the subject, "Impact of Geopolitical Developments in West Asia on India's Road Infrastructure Sector."
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Coal, Mines and Steel will also meet at 11:00 am in Parliament House Annexe (PHA). The committee will record oral evidence from representatives of the Ministry of Coal, Ministry of Power, and Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on the subject, "Coal Block Auction and Allocation Process - A Review."
Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy on Friday heard views of the officials of the Power Ministry and North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO) on the role of power sector statutory bodies and PSUs in the development of Atmanirbhar power sector with acting Chairman of the panel Jagdambika Pal stating later that India is making fast progress in its renewable energy targets.
"The meeting was very good. You are quite aware of the NTPC and subsidiary of the NTPC, North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO) which has been given a mandate to provide 24x7 power supply to the northeast area," Jagdambika Pal told ANI later.
"We have discussed it in detail. The members also made some queries about power generation, financial performance and some other issues related to renewable energy and gas based plant," he added.
The agenda of the meeting was 'Role of Power Sector Statutory Bodies, PSUs and Institutions in development of Atmanirbhar Power Sector'.
On India's progress towards achieving self-reliance in the power sector, Jagdambika Pal said the government has maintained a strong focus under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.
Referring to India's clean energy targets, he said the country remains committed to expanding non-fossil fuel-based power generation capacity. He said India is on course to achieving its renewable energy and net zero targets.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally some attention on Atmanirbhar power sector! But the north-east still struggles with erratic supply - NEEPCO needs to get its act together. PM Modi's renewable push is good, but we shouldn't ignore coal completely; thermal plants still give jobs to lakhs. Balance is key. ✨
Coal block auction process review - about time! Remember the Coalgate scam? We need strict monitoring so that only genuine players get blocks, not middlemen. And on West Asia, hope they also discuss oil price impact on our road projects, since bitumen prices are linked to crude. 😤
Jagdambika Pal said the meeting was "very good" - hope they actually fix things, not just pat each other's backs. The 24x7 power promise for north-east has been pending for ages. Renewable targets are impressive, but grid stability is still a concern, especially in rural areas. Slow progress!
Proud of India's renewable push - 500GW non-fossil by 2030 is ambitious but doable! However, the coal sector still employs millions, so we need a just transition. Also, West Asia tensions could disrupt oil supply for road construction - time to explore electric construction vehicles maybe? 🤔
It's nice that committees meet, but how many recommendations actually get implemented? For example, the road from my village to highway is still full of potholes despite multiple promises. And on coal, I hope they address the environmental impact on local communities. Otherwise these are just photo ops.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.