The prices of all the other items related to coal would be controlled, he said, adding that the topmost priority of the ministry is to ensure that coal reaches to the common people in villages.

On the issue of illegal mining in the closed coal mines and death of miners who are trapped inside the mines, the minister said, “It is a law an order issue and the local administration has to take notice of it.”

“A committee has been formed to look into the issue. The committee has sought report from the Indian School of Mines and XLRI. The former has already submitted its report and we are waiting for the XLRI report,” said Chairman of Coal India Limited, Partha Sarathi Bhattacharjee.

Taking note of the inhuman treatment of workers in the coalmines, the minister said that there would be no injustice to the workers.

“We will ensure that the maternity rules for women, who are working in coal mines are ensured,” said Bagrodia.

The minister said that a decision on the fate of Mining and Allied Machinery Corporation would be taken before 9 June.

The Chief Minister, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, has also assured all help to the Coal India Limited on the revival of the MAMC.