UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2019

Consider the following statements: 1. Coal sector was nationalized by the Government of India under Indira Gandhi. 2. Now, coal blocks are allocated on lottery basis. 3. Till recently, India imported coal to meet the shortages of domestic supply, but now India is self-sufficient in coal production. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer

Correct Answer

1 only

Explanation

Coal mines were nationalised in 1971-73 under Indira Gandhi. Coal blocks are allocated through auctions/allotment (not by lottery), and India continues to import coal to meet demand, so it is not self-sufficient. Only statement 1 is correct.

Topics: coal nationalisation and allocation, coal sector, indian economy, industry and energy