NEW DELHI: Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy affirmed on Wednesday that the government has no intention to privatise the Singareni Collieries Company located in Telangana. Emphasizing efforts to strengthen the company, Reddy clarified during Question Hour in the Lok Sabha that there are no plans for privatization either for Singareni Collieries or any coal mine under government ownership.
Singareni Collieries, jointly owned by the Telangana government (51%) and the Union government, boasts extensive coal reserves spanning 350 kilometers in the Pranahita-Godavari Valley of Telangana. The company currently operates 17 opencast and 22 underground mines across six districts of Telangana, employing approximately 42,000 individuals.
Reddy's statement came in response to concerns raised by Congress member Vamsi Krishna Gaddam, who advocated against privatizing the company, citing its strategic importance and substantial coal reserves amounting to 8,791 million tonnes.
The reaffirmation by the Minister underscores the government's commitment to maintaining the public sector character of Singareni Collieries while focusing on enhancing its operational efficiency and productivity.