In India, what is the role of the Coal Controller's Organization (CCO) ? 1. CCO is the major source of Coal Statistics in Government of India. 2. It monitors progress of development of Captive Coal/Lignite blocks. 3. It hears any objection to the Government's notification relating to acquisition of coal-bearing areas. 4. It ensures that coal mining companies deliver the coal to end users in the prescribed time. Select the correct answer using the code given below :
- (a) 1, 2 and 3 ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) 3 and 4 only
- (c) 1 and 2 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 4
Why the answer is (a)
• The Coal Controller's Organisation, under the Ministry of Coal at Kolkata, dates from 1944 and works under the Colliery Control Rules, 2004 and the Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition and Development) Act, 1957.
• Statement 1 is correct: it is the principal source of coal statistics, publishing the Coal Directory and Provisional Coal Statistics.
• Statement 2 is correct: it monitors development of captive coal and lignite blocks allotted to end-users.
• Statement 3 is correct: under the 1957 Act the Coal Controller hears objections to notifications for acquisition of coal-bearing land.
• Statement 4 is wrong: enforcing delivery to end users is a contractual matter for coal companies and Coal India, not a CCO function. Hence 1, 2 and 3, option (a).
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) 3 and 4 only
- Statement 4 is wrong and statements 1 and 2 are correct.
- (c) 1 and 2 only
- Statement 3 on hearing objections is also correct.
- (d) 1, 2 and 4
- Statement 4 is wrong: CCO does not enforce coal deliveries.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2022, held on 5 June 2022. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.