Tue Jul 01 12:19:30 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
The Ministry of Coal in India is launching a new digital “Exploration Module” on its Single Window Clearance System (SWCS) web portal on July 4, 2025. Developed in collaboration with CMPDIL, this module aims to fully digitize the coal exploration process, from initial vetting to final approval of geological reports. This initiative aims to drastically reduce processing times, increase data transparency, and further digitalize the coal mining approval process as part of the “Viksit Bharat” vision. The SWCS, since its launch in 2021, has streamlined clearances for coal mines, significantly reducing processing times for mining plans and opening permissions.
**News Article:**
**Ministry of Coal to Launch Digital Exploration Module for Coal Blocks**
**New Delhi, July 1, 2025:** In a major step towards digitalizing India’s coal sector, the Ministry of Coal will launch a new “Exploration Module” on its Single Window Clearance System (SWCS) web portal on July 4, 2025. The module, developed in collaboration with the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL), aims to streamline and accelerate the process of approving coal block explorations.
The new module will cover the entire exploration process, from vetting exploration schemes and submitting progress updates to the submission and approval of geological reports. All communication, compliance uploads, and final approvals will be managed through a single digital interface.
“This initiative is expected to drastically reduce the time required for processing exploration proposals, while simultaneously enhancing productivity and data transparency,” the Ministry stated in a release.
The launch aligns with the Ministry’s ongoing digital transformation efforts, supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” and a digitally empowered ecosystem.
The SWCS portal, launched in January 2021, has already proven effective in simplifying the process of obtaining necessary clearances for coal mines. It integrates various statutory permissions from Central Ministries and State Governments. According to the ministry, since its launch the module has cut the processing time of mining plan approvals by half, down to 4.5 months. The portal features core modules for mining plan approval, mine opening permission, and integrates with national platforms like the National Single Window System (NSWS) and Parivesh 2.0 for environmental clearances.
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