Power and Coal Ministers in India – Roles, Policies and Recent Moves

When you hear about power cuts or new coal projects, chances are the power or coal minister is behind the headlines. These two cabinet posts shape how electricity reaches homes and how coal mines operate. Understanding who they are and what they’re doing helps you make sense of daily news and long‑term energy trends.

Who are the current power and coal ministers?

As of 2025, the Union Power Minister is Mahendra Kumar, a former engineer turned politician. He took over after the last cabinet reshuffle and has a reputation for pushing renewable projects alongside traditional grid upgrades. The Coal Minister is Rashmi Singh, known for her work in mining safety and efforts to balance coal demand with environmental concerns.

Both ministers report to the Prime Minister’s Office and sit on the Ministry of Energy’s core committee. Their daily tasks range from approving new power plants, signing offshore wind contracts, to clearing land for coal mines. They also attend state‑level meetings, answer questions in Parliament, and interact with industry leaders.

Key policies shaping India’s energy future

The power minister’s flagship initiative this year is the Smart Grid Expansion Programme. The goal is to modernise transmission lines, reduce losses, and integrate more solar and wind power. Under the programme, states receive ₹15,000 crore to upgrade substations and install digital meters. The focus on smart grids means fewer outages and more accurate billing for consumers.

On the coal side, the minister pushed the Clean Coal Technology scheme. It encourages mines to adopt low‑emission equipment and to invest in carbon capture pilots. Although coal still supplies about 70% of the country’s electricity, the policy aims to cut soot and greenhouse gases without shutting down plants abruptly.

Both ministers also support the Energy Efficiency Mission. This joint effort offers tax breaks to factories that install energy‑saving machines and encourages households to switch to LED lighting. The result so far: a 3% reduction in overall electricity demand during peak summer months.

Critics say the two ministries sometimes clash—renewable pushes can slow coal projects, and coal expansion can delay green goals. To address this, a monthly coordination meeting was introduced in early 2024. The ministers now present joint progress reports, helping avoid duplicate approvals and keeping the national energy roadmap on track.

For everyday readers, the most tangible impact is the rollout of new power lines in rural districts and the gradual shift of coal trucks to cleaner fuel. If you notice fewer blackouts or see more solar panels on rooftops, those changes are directly linked to the ministers’ policies.

Looking ahead, the power minister has hinted at a 30% renewable share by 2030, while the coal minister is working on a plan to phase out low‑grade coal mines by 2028. Their combined efforts will define how India meets growing electricity demand without compromising the environment.

Keep an eye on budget announcements and parliamentary debates—those are the best places to catch the next big move from India’s power and coal ministers. Understanding their roles today makes it easier to grasp where the country’s energy story is headed tomorrow.