Question 81 from UPSC CSE 2022 - Polity & Governanc e

Question

In India, what is the role of the Coal Controller's Organization (CCO)?
1. CCO is the major source of Coal Statistics in the Government of India.
2. It monitors the progress of the development of Captive Coal/Lignite blocks.
3. It hears any objection to the Government's notification relating to the acquisition of coal-bearing areas.
4. It ensures that coal mining companies deliver coal to end-users in the prescribed time.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. 1, 2, and 3

Strategy: Identify roles with official and legal backing. Statement 1 is relevant due to the Coal Controller's Organization's (CCO) known role in coal statistics. Statement 2 aligns with CCO's monitoring duties over captive blocks. Statement 3 fits its quasi-judicial authority for objections under acquisition acts. Statement 4, however, represents a practical process-level claim, not a defined statutory function, and is therefore excluded. Based on these considerations, option A is selected.

Key Info: The Coal Controller's Organization (CCO), operating under the Ministry of Coal, Government of India, is one of the oldest statutory offices managing the coal sector, established in 1916. Its primary functions are governed by several legal instruments:

*   **Colliery Control Rules, 2004**: The CCO standardizes sampling methods, inspects collieries, declares and maintains coal grades, resolves consumer-owner grade disputes, and regulates coal stock disposal. It grants permissions for mine openings and subdivisions and ensures grade and quality surveillance during transport.
*   **Collection of Statistics Act, 2008**: The CCO serves as the nodal statistical authority for coal and lignite. It is responsible for compiling and publishing national-level coal statistics, including the Annual Coal & Lignite Survey, Provisional Coal Statistics, and the Coal Directory of India. It also submits mandatory monthly coal data to government bodies and international agencies.
*   **Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition and Development) Act, 1957**: The CCO holds quasi-judicial authority to hear objections related to central government notifications on coal-bearing land acquisition and furnishes reports to the government.
*   **Coal Mines (Conservation & Development) Act, 1974 and related rules**: The CCO assesses and collects excise duties on coal, supports the scientific development of mines, aids conservation initiatives such as stowing and protective measures, and oversees related infrastructure development.
*   **Monitoring of Captive Coal/Lignite Blocks**: The CCO actively tracks the progress of captive allocated blocks to ensure compliance with allocation terms.
*   **Commissioner of Payments**: The CCO acts as Commissioner of Payment to settle claims under nationalization acts and special provisions for schedule-I mines.

Notably, while the CCO monitors various aspects of coal production, distribution, and quality, there is no explicit statutory mandate requiring the organization to enforce on-time delivery of coal to specific end-users. This function typically falls under coal companies and distribution agencies, not the CCO.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: 3 and 4 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: 1 and 2 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: 1, 2, and 4