Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said India has taken the big decision to fully open the coal and mining sector for competition, capital, participation, and technology. <br />''<br />''Addressing the launching of auction of 41 coal mines for commercial mining via video conference, Mr Modi said a major step has been taken today to make India self-reliant in the energy sector. He said government is not only launching an auction for commercial coal mining, but also taking the coal sector out of decades of lockdown.<br />''<br />''The Prime Minister said allowing private sector in commercial coal mining is unlocking resources of a nation with the world's fourth largest reserves. Criticising last policies of keeping the sector closed, the Prime Minister said India should be world's biggest coal exporter considering size of reserves. He pointed out the irony that India has the fourth largest coal reserve in the world, is the second largest producer in the world, but is also the second largest coal importer. He said the reforms in coal sector are a great way to make Eastern and Central India, and the tribal belt the pillars of development. He said reforms and investment in this sector will play a huge role in making lives easy for the poor and tribal people. Mr Modi said the commercial coal block auction is a win win for industry users. He said new resources will open up and states will get more revenue and employment.<br />''<br />''The Prime Minister also said government has set a target to gasify around 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030. He said four projects have been identified for this and about 20 thousand crores will be invested in them.  <br />''<br />''<span style="color: #222222;">Mr Modi said India will overcome the Covid pandemic and country will turn this crisis into opportunity. He said the pandemic has taught India the lesson of being self-reliant.</span><br />