New Delhi, 29/07/2025: In a move to modernize and streamline coal exploration approvals, the Ministry of Coal hosted a hands-on training session on July 25, 2025, in New Delhi, focusing on the new Exploration Module of the Single Window Clearance System (SWCS).
Held at Tagore Chamber in the SCOPE Complex, the workshop brought together coal block allottees, exploration agencies, and technical experts for a practical session aimed at improving how exploration-related documents are submitted and approved through the digital system.
Chairing the session, Ms. Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary and Nominated Authority, emphasized the importance of digital tools in making government processes more transparent and efficient. She urged participants to actively adopt the SWCS platform, highlighting that it brings clarity, speed, and accountability to project approvals.
The Exploration Module, which was officially launched by Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy earlier in July, replaces the earlier manual process of handling Geological Report (GR) schemes and related submissions. With this system, all tasks—from uploading initial exploration data to getting final approvals—can now be completed online.
Ministry officials and experts from CMPDIL (Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Limited) provided a detailed demo during the session. The module enables real-time tracking, sends automated updates, and operates under fixed timelines, helping to eliminate delays and miscommunication in the clearance process.
Participants got a live walkthrough of the entire digital workflow, including how to upload geological reports, submit compliance documents, give progress updates, and file final reports. Many attendees appreciated the user-friendly interface and said the session cleared up many of their doubts.
The Exploration Module is part of the larger Single Window Clearance System, which has been in place since January 11, 2021. This system supports various approvals needed in the coal sector—such as mining plans, environmental and forest clearances, and permissions to open new mines.
Now, the new module is also being integrated with the National Single Window System (NSWS) and aligned with the environmental approval platform PARIVESH 2.0. These integrations aim to further strengthen coordination among different ministries and agencies, making the whole clearance system more connected and efficient.
The Ministry of Coal reiterated its commitment to a digital-first approach that cuts red tape and helps move projects forward faster. By pushing digital transformation tools like the SWCS, the government hopes to support larger national goals, including the “Digital India” mission and the development vision of “Viksit Bharat.”
Through this initiative, the Ministry is not just improving internal processes—it’s also setting the stage for a more accountable, transparent, and responsive coal sector.
