CoalSETU, Census 2027 & New MSP Decisions

CoalSETU Policy, Census 2027 And MSP Decisions

Why in the News ?

The Union Cabinet approved the CoalSETU policy to auction coal linkages transparently, cleared funds for Census 2027 including caste enumeration, and revised MSP for copra for the 2026 season, reflecting reforms in energy, governance, and agriculture.

CoalSETU, Census 2027 & New MSP Decisions

CoalSETU Policy: Reforming Coal Linkage Allocation

  • The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the Policy for Auction of Coal Linkage for Seamless, Efficient & Transparent Utilisation (CoalSETU).
  • CoalSETU introduces a new auction window under the Non-Regulated Sector (NRS) Linkage Auction Policy, 2016.
  • The policy allows long-term coal linkages for any industrial use and exports, ensuring fair access and optimal utilisation of coal resources.
  • Any domestic buyer can participate in the auction irrespective of end use, increasing competition and transparency.
  • Coal linkages can be used for own consumption, export, or activities such as coal washing, but resale within India is prohibited.
  • Linkage holders are permitted to export up to 50% of the allocated coal quantity.
  • Companies can flexibly utilise coal among group companies, improving efficiency and reducing supply rigidities.
  • Overall, CoalSETU aims to reduce discretionary allocations and promote market-based coal distribution.

Census 2027: India’s First Fully Digital Census

  • The Cabinet approved a budget of ₹11,718 crore for conducting Census 2027.
  • Census 2027 will be conducted in two phases:
    • Houselisting and Housing Census
    • Population Enumeration
  • It will be India’s first-ever digital census, using mobile applications on Android and iOS platforms.
  • Caste Enumeration will be included, making it a significant socio-economic data exercise.
  • Around 30 lakh field functionaries will be deployed across the country.
  • Census 2027 will be the 16th census overall and the 8th since Independence.
  • India’s Census is regarded as the largest administrative and statistical exercise in the world, covering every household.
  • Digital data collection is expected to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and real-time monitoring.

MSP For Copra And Key Facts:

●     The Cabinet approved the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for copra for the 2026 season.

●     MSP fixation follows the Union Budget 2018–19 commitment of fixing MSP at 1.5 times the weighted average cost of production.

●     MSP for milling copra increased by ₹445 to ₹12,027 per quintal.

●     MSP for ball copra increased by ₹400 to ₹12,500 per quintal.

●     MSP is applicable for Fair and Average Quality (FAQ) produce.

●     Higher MSP aims to ensure remunerative returns to coconut growers and encourage expansion of copra production.

●     Increased production supports growing demand for coconut-based products in domestic and international markets.

●     MSP is a key instrument under India’s agricultural price support policy to stabilise farmer incomes.