From Gujarat to the Nation:
Coal as a Pillar of Inclusive Growth

“Energy inclusion is the truest reflection of good governance—it lights homes, livelihoods and confidence.” This powerful sentiment from ModiNomics captures the essence of India’s development story. At the heart of this transformation stands coal, often misunderstood as a relic of the past but, in India’s context, a pillar of inclusive growth and a bridge to a cleaner future.

The modernisation of coal mining—through mechanisation, improved logistics and environmental safeguards—has ensured that energy inclusion remains both viable and sustainable. By expanding access to affordable electricity, the sector supports not only industry but also dignity—creating jobs across India’s vast and diverse regions.

The coal sector’s transformation mirrors the governance reforms that ModiNomics celebrates—marked by competition, digitisation and accountability. The introduction of commercial coal mining auctions has opened the sector to private investment and innovation, replacing opaque systems of allocation with transparent bidding.

Digital monitoring through the Mine Surveillance System (MSS) and real-time production tracking has curbed illegal mining and enhanced state revenues. Streamlined clearances and investor-friendly policies under the Ease-of-Doing Business framework have turned coal from a controlled commodity into a strategically managed resource.

This governance model—anchored in efficiency and transparency—reflects the broader philosophy of Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.

“Sustainability and inclusion must move together.” This guiding principle defines the coal sector’s new direction. Initiatives such as mine closure and land reclamation, coal bed methane (CBM/CMM) utilisation and Eco-Park development highlight the sector’s growing environmental consciousness.

The focus on Just Transition ensures that workers and communities dependent on coal are not left behind. Retraining programmes, land restoration and regional diversification are central to this effort. Meanwhile, projects promoting coal gasification, liquefaction and cleaner technologies strengthen the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, supporting innovation and reducing import dependency.

From Gujarat’s Jyotigram Yojana to national programmes like Ujjwala and Saubhagya, India’s energy journey has demonstrated how reliable and affordable power drives equity. Coal’s evolving role—from a simple fuel to a developmental backbone—now supports renewables, green hydrogen and industrial decarbonisation.