Coal in India
Nationalisation and the Birth of Coal India
Coal mines were nationalised in 1971-73, and Coal India Limited was formed in 1975 as the state monopoly.
A state-run giant.
Before
Private owners ran many mines, often with poor safety and treatment of workers.
Nationalisation
Coking coal mines were nationalised in 1971 and non-coking in 1973.
Coal India
Formed in 1975 as a holding company with subsidiaries for different regions.
Effect
The state became the dominant supplier, with expanded output and unionised labour.
A takeover
Small private mines in Jharia were merged into state companies.
Believing nationalisation was only economic
Safety and labour concerns were central.
Key takeaways
- Mines were nationalised in 1971-73.
- Coal India was formed in 1975.
- The state dominated supply.
- Labour conditions drove reform.
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