Ministry of Coal Advances Digital Reforms with SWCS Exploration Module Workshop

In a significant push toward accelerating digital transformation in India’s coal sector, the Ministry of Coal conducted a hands-on training workshop and interactive session on the Exploration Module of the Single Window Clearance System (SWCS) on July 25, 2025. The event, held at the Tagore Chamber, SCOPE Complex, New Delhi, drew wide participation from industry stakeholders and marked a vital step in strengthening India’s coal governance ecosystem through integrated digital solutions.

Focused Training to Boost Adoption of the Exploration Module

The workshop was chaired by Ms. Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary and Nominated Authority (AS & NA), Ministry of Coal. In her keynote address, she underscored the transformative impact of digital platforms on the coal sector’s operational landscape, emphasizing their role in enhancing transparency, accountability, and decision-making speed.

“Digital systems like the SWCS are not just tools, but enablers of good governance. Their adoption can eliminate procedural bottlenecks, ensure transparency, and fast-track clearances,” said Ms. Brar, calling on all stakeholders to actively leverage the module.

The workshop was also attended by senior officials from the Ministry and CMPDIL (Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited), who provided technical insights and responded to queries from participants, creating a robust and engaging knowledge-sharing platform.

Exploration Module: A Digital Leap in Coal Governance

Launched on July 4, 2025, by Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, the Exploration Module represents a major milestone in the Ministry’s digital governance journey. Designed to replace manual workflows, the module offers a completely digital process for:

• Submission of Geological Report (GR) Schemes

• Tracking of exploration progress

• Compliance documentation

• Final submission and approval of GRs

Through automated communication, structured timelines, and real-time tracking, the module significantly reduces delays and minimizes human intervention in approvals. It streamlines the exploration lifecycle—from project inception to final clearance—ushering in a new era of operational efficiency and transparency.

The user-friendly interface was demonstrated live during the workshop, allowing attendees to gain hands-on experience of the entire process. This practical exposure reinforced the system’s functionality and benefits for both public and private stakeholders involved in exploration activities.

Engaging Stakeholders for Inclusive Implementation

The session saw active participation from a diverse cross-section of the industry, including:

• Coal block allottees

• Accredited exploration agencies

• Mining engineers and technical personnel

Participants welcomed the module’s intuitive design and comprehensive features. The interactive format of the workshop created a collaborative environment, enabling stakeholders to raise specific concerns and implementation queries directly with CMPDIL and Ministry officials.

This dialogue-driven approach ensured that feedback loops were created, which will be used to refine the platform further and address on-ground challenges during its rollout phase.

SWCS: Transforming the Coal Sector’s Clearance Ecosystem

The Single Window Clearance System (SWCS), operational since January 11, 2021, is already a cornerstone of the Ministry’s digital reforms. It serves as an integrated platform for obtaining critical statutory approvals, including:

• Mining Plan approvals

• Mine Opening Permissions

• Environmental and Forest Clearances

The SWCS is interfaced with the National Single Window System (NSWS) and is currently being aligned with PARIVESH 2.0, a digital interface for environmental clearance. These integrations ensure seamless inter-ministerial coordination, reinforcing the platform’s effectiveness as a one-stop solution.

With the addition of the Exploration Module, the Ministry now offers end-to-end digital solutions across the mining lifecycle, from exploration to mine closure.

A Commitment to Digital India and Viksit Bharat

This initiative aligns with the Government of India’s larger goals under Digital India and Viksit Bharat @2047, which emphasize transparent, efficient, and tech-driven governance. By digitizing exploration and clearance processes, the Ministry of Coal is promoting:

• Ease of Doing Business in the mining sector

• Faster project implementation

• Improved investor confidence

• Environmental and procedural compliance

In her closing remarks, Ms. Brar reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to sustainable and responsive coal governance, urging stakeholders to make full use of digital tools like the SWCS and its exploration components.

The Road Ahead

The Ministry plans to organize similar workshops across coal-bearing states to expand awareness and ensure smooth implementation of the Exploration Module. Further enhancements are also being explored, including AI-driven analytics, mobile accessibility, and integration with satellite-based monitoring systems to make India’s coal clearance regime future-ready.

By fostering a digital-first ecosystem, the Ministry of Coal is building the foundation for a resilient, sustainable, and responsive coal sector, where timely approvals and data-driven governance will drive the next phase of India's energy security and resource management.