The government is hopeful of setting up the coal regulator by the end of this financial year. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai on Thursday, Union Coal Minister, Mr. Sriprakash Jaiswal said that although there is some opposition, the government is tying its best to set up the regulator in this fiscal itself. Mr. Jaiswal said that the ministry is targeting seven per cent increase in coal production next year. He clarified that the environment ministry is looking into the concerns about coal mining on a case to case basis.

Talking about Coal India acquiring overseas assets, Mr. Jaiswal said that the ministry is supportive of this decision but would like Coal India to raise production and develop the sector.