UPSC Prelims 2022 Q72: Indian Economy – Government Organizations
In India, what is the role of the Coal Controller's Organization (CCO)?
1. CCO is the major source of Coal Statistics in Government of India.
2. It monitors progress of development of Captive Coal/Lignite blocks.
3. It hears any objection to the Government's notification relating to acquisition of coal - bearing
areas.
4. It ensures that coal mining companies deliver the coal to end users in the prescribed time.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- (a) 1, 2 and 3
- (b) 3 and 4 only
- (c) 1 and 2 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 4
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Coal Controller's Organisation (CCO)
The CCO is a subordinate office of the Ministry of Coal, headquartered in Kolkata.
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Major source of coal statistics | Correct | It publishes the annual Coal Directory of India and other coal data |
| 2. Monitors captive coal and lignite blocks | Correct | It tracks development and production of captive blocks |
| 3. Hears objections to land acquisition notifications | Correct | It acts as the competent authority under the Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition and Development) Act, 1957 |
| 4. Ensures timely coal delivery to end users | Incorrect | Delivery is handled by Coal India, the railways and supply agreements, not the CCO |
Other CCO roles: quality control of coal (grading), collection of excise-type cess, and inspection of collieries.
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. The CCO compiles coal statistics, monitors captive blocks and hears land acquisition objections.
- (b) Incorrect. It drops the CCO's core statistics and monitoring roles and keeps the false delivery claim.
- (c) Incorrect. It leaves out statement 3: the CCO hears objections under the 1957 Coal Bearing Areas Act.
- (d) Incorrect. The CCO does not police delivery timelines; that rests with supply agreements and Coal India.
Key point
CCO (Ministry of Coal, Kolkata): coal statistics, captive block monitoring, coal grading, and hearing objections under the Coal Bearing Areas Act, 1957.
Remember
CCO = coal data, captive block monitoring, land objection hearings.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a 'controller' must control delivery and distribution of coal.
- Not knowing the CCO is the competent authority for objections under the 1957 Act.
- Confusing the CCO with Coal India Limited, the main producer and supplier.
Exam tip
Regulators and statistical offices collect data and hear objections; companies deliver goods.
Sources
- Ministry of Coal — Coal Controller's Organisation: functions
- Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition and Development) Act, 1957