No benefit in splitting Coal India: Piyush Goyal

Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday reiterated that there were no plans to split the state-run Coal India as it would not benefit the company. "In 2014, when I took over, I reviewed the company and I realised that the strength of the PSU comes from being one company. There is absolutely no benefit to the company by splitting it," Goyal told reporters on the sidelines of 'Make in Odisha' conclave which concluded here on Friday.

CIL, which accounts for over 80% of the domestic coal production, is eyeing 598 million tonne production in 2016-17 and targeting to produce a billion tonnes of the fossil fuel by 2020.Talking about the impact of demonetization on state discoms, Goyal said, "Discoms are now having a good time. They are recovering their overdues. People are coming to settle some of their past dues."

He further said all PSUs under his ministry have already started the process of paying salaries and debts by digital mode and so there is absolutely no impact of demonetization there. "All PSUs are paying all salaries digitally, in a transparent manner. The biggest benefit of demonetization is going to the workers in the unorganised sector who will be able to get the minimum wages," Goyal said. Even as the government has increased the minimum wages by 42%, unfortunately, people on the ground are yet to see the benefit of it, he said. "If all the payments are made digitally through the banking channel, we are very confident that the unorganised labourers will receive their due wages and other benefits," the minister said.

Asked about delay in auction of coal mines, Goyal said, "It is in final stages and very soon we will do it. I think after the Parliament session I will take it up."