Consider the following statements: 1. CoaI sector was nationalized by the Government of India under Indira Gandhi. 2. Now, coal blocks are allocated on a lottery basis. 3. Till recently, India imported coal to meet the shortage of domestic supply, but now India is self- sufficient in coal production. Which of the statements given above is/arc correct?
Explanation
Nationalisation: Yes, the coal sector was nationalised by the Indira Gandhi government in phases during the 1970s. Hence, Statement 1 is Correct.
Coal block allocation: Coal blocks are not allocated through a lottery system. They are currently allocated through auctions, a shift from the previous system of administrative allocation. Hence, Statement 2 is Incorrect.
Coal self-sufficiency: India is not entirely self-sufficient in coal production. While domestic production has increased, there is still a gap that is met through imports. Hence, Statement 3 is Incorrect.