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 1916 (as the Coal Commissioner; its powers were widened by the Colliery Control Order, 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.