Pankaj Agrawal IAS given additional charge as Secretary- Ministry of Coal
Shri Pankaj Agrawal IAS (Madhya Pradesh 1992) presently Secretary- Ministry of Power has been given the additional charge as Secretary- Ministry of Coal from 09.05.2026 to 19.05.2026 during the period of absence on leave of Shri Vikram Dev Dutt IAS (AGMUT 1993).
The Secretary, Ministry of Coal, is the administrative head of the Ministry of Coal in the Government of India and plays a crucial role in policy formulation, coordination, and implementation related to the coal sector. The position is generally held by a senior officer of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) with extensive experience in governance, infrastructure, energy, and public administration.
The Secretary is responsible for overseeing the development and regulation of India’s coal industry, which remains one of the primary sources of energy for the country. The role includes supervising coal production, allocation of coal blocks, policy reforms, sustainability initiatives, and coordination with public sector undertakings engaged in coal mining and distribution.
The office also works closely with state governments, energy ministries, environmental authorities, and private stakeholders to ensure efficient utilization of coal resources while maintaining transparency and environmental compliance. In recent years, the Ministry of Coal has focused on commercial coal mining reforms, modernization of mining operations, digitization, and increasing domestic production to reduce import dependence.
The Secretary provides strategic leadership in implementing government initiatives aimed at achieving energy security and supporting industrial growth. The role further involves monitoring safety standards in mining operations, encouraging technological innovation, and promoting sustainable mining practices aligned with India’s long-term economic and environmental objectives.
As the top bureaucratic authority in the ministry, the Secretary represents the Ministry of Coal in inter-ministerial discussions, parliamentary matters, policy reviews, and national-level decision-making processes. The position is central to strengthening India’s energy infrastructure and ensuring the efficient management of one of the country’s most important natural resources.
Indian Bureaucracy News wishes Shri Pankaj Agrawal the very best.