In India, what is the role of the Coal Controller's Organization (CCO)?CCO is the major source of Co

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Question

In India, what is the role of the Coal Controller's Organization (CCO)?CCO is the major source of Coal Statistics in Government of India.It monitors progress of development of Captive Coal/Lignite blocks.It hears any objection to the Government's notification relating to acquisition of coal-bearing areas.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:

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: A — 1, 2 and 3Step-by-step Solution:The Coal Controller's Organization (CCO), established in 1916, is one of the oldest offices in the Indian coal sector. It functions as a subordinate office under the Ministry of Coal and regulates several aspects of the coal industry.Statement 1 — CCO is the major source of Coal Statistics: This is correct. Under the Collection of Statistics Act 2008, the Coal Controller has been designated as the statistical authority for coal and lignite. CCO is responsible for: conducting the Annual Coal & Lignite Survey; publishing Provisional Coal Statistics and the Coal Directory of India; submitting monthly coal data to various government ministries, national organisations, and international organisations. ✓Statement 2 — CCO monitors development of Captive Coal/Lignite blocks: This is correct. One of CCO's roles (under its 'Others' functions) includes monitoring of Coal and Lignite blocks — including captive blocks allotted to specific end-use industries (steel, power, cement). It also monitors the opening of Escrow accounts per approved Mine Closure Plans. ✓Statement 3 — CCO hears objections to Government notification on coal-bearing land acquisition: This is correct. Under the Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition and Development) Act, 1957, the Coal Controller is the competent authority to hear any objection to the Central Government's notification relating to the acquisition of coal-bearing land and to furnish a report to the Central Government. ✓Statement 4 — CCO ensures coal mining companies deliver coal to end users in prescribed time: This is not explicitly mentioned as a CCO function in its mandate. CCO regulates coal quality, grades, production/dispatch statistics, and acquisition — but the specific function of ensuring timely delivery to end users in prescribed timelines is not listed among CCO's explicit statutory functions. ✗Why other options are incorrect:Options B, C, and D: Incorrect because statement 4 is not a CCO function, and statements 1, 2, 3 are all correct.Key Concept: CCO functions: Coal quality inspection and grading (Colliery Control Rules 2004); Coal statistics (Collection of Statistics Act 2008); Coal-bearing land acquisition objections (Coal Bearing Areas Act 1957); Mine development monitoring; Coal washery registration and statistics; Commissioner of Payments for pre-nationalisation coal mines. CCO does NOT regulate coal prices (deregulated in 1996) or ensure delivery timelines to end users.

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