Coal ministry counters reports of low interest in Rs 37,500 crore gasification scheme

The Ministry of Coal has pushed back against reports suggesting insufficient interest in its Rs 37,500 crore coal gasification initiative, asserting that the scheme is garnering meaningful participation from industry stakeholders. Officials said that Talcher Fertilisers and NTPC have already submitted applications for the programme, which aims to convert coal into chemical and fuel products. The first application window for the scheme remains open until September 7, providing companies additional time to express interest. The coal ministry's clarification comes as the government looks to boost domestic coal utilization and reduce dependence on imports for chemicals and fertilisers. The coal gasification scheme is part of the Centre's broader strategy to create value-added products from the country's abundant coal reserves and establish new industrial opportunities in the sector.