Page 2 - Pralhad Joshi

Need Rs 30 trn investment for 500 GW renewables by 2030: Minister Joshi

Union New & Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Joshi on Monday said as much as Rs 30 lakh crore is required to meet the target of 500 GW by 2030. He also announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 4th RE-INVEST 2024, a global summit for renewables. The fourth edition of the Global Renewable Energy Investors Meet & Expo(RE-INVEST) 2024 is scheduled from September 16 to 18 at Mahatma Mandir Convention & Exhibition Centre in Gandhinagar, Joshi told reporters in a curtain raiser press conference here. He said that India requires Rs 30 lakh crore investment to meet the ambitious target of having 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030. Earlier three RE-INVEST conferences were organised, including one in virtual mode and two in Delhi, he added. This is the first RE-INVEST to be held in Gujarat. "We thought that Gujarat is the right place to organise the conference to achieve the 500 GW renewable energy target by 2030," he said, citing the example of Vibrant ...

Tenders for boosting grain storage capacity given via online process: Govt

Tenders for enhancing grain storage capacity are awarded through a transparent, online process that many states governed by INDIA bloc parties have also adopted, Union Food and Public Distribution Minister Prahlad Joshi said on Wednesday. The issues of food storage capacity increase and privatisation of Food Corporation of India (FCI) godowns were addressed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, with Joshi responding to questions from Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay. Bandyopadhyay raised concerns about the sufficiency of the storage capacity at FCI godowns and the involvement of a private entity in the sector. He pointed out that sophisticated silo godowns were being set up, primarily in Maharashtra and Gujarat, by the private company and questioned if the government planned to hand over FCI's operations to it. Responding to these questions, Joshi clarified that the overall storage capacity was 837.68 lakh metric tons (LMT) with 650-700 LMT foodgrains typically stored. "To

Centre to monitor wholesale and retail prices of 16 more food items daily

Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on Thursday announced that the government will collect and monitor daily wholesale and retail prices of 16 more essential food commodities from August 1 to help it make policy interventions to stabilise rates. The Department of Consumer Affairs has already been monitoring the daily prices of 22 essential food commodities from 550 centres across 34 states/Union Territories. "We are now adding 16 more commodities, taking the total number of food items to 38 whose prices will be monitored on a daily basis," Joshi told reporters here. The 16 food items are bajra (whole), jowar (whole), ragi (whole), suji (wheat), maida (wheat), besan, ghee, butter (pasteurised), brinjal, egg, black pepper, coriander, cummin seed, red chillies, turmeric powder and banana. The Price Monitoring Division (PMD) in the department is responsible for tracking prices of selected essential commodities. The minister also launched an updated 'PMS Mobile App .

About 151 GW green capacity under implementation in India: Pralhad Joshi

Renewable energy projects of about 151 GW capacity are under various stages of implementation in the country, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has said. The Minister for New and Renewable Energy further said that around 76.42 GW of renewable energy capacity will be operationalized in next 3-4 years. "The government is taking several initiatives to prioritise renewable energy. Nearly 151 GW of renewable projects are being implemented, and 76.42 GW will be operationalized in 3-4 years," he said addressing a session at 'Mercom India Renewables Summit 2024' in the national capital on Friday. The tendering process for 76.42 GW capacity of projects has already been completed, the minister said. The renewable energy capacity has increased over 2.5 times from 76 GW in 2014 to more than 195 GW as of June 2024, Joshi said. The solar power capacity witnessed a steep jump from just 3 GW in 2014 to more than 85 GW now while wind power capacity increased from 21 GW to more than 46 GW, the minister

Govt issues norms for Rs 4,950 cr incentive to Discoms under PM-Surya Ghar

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Monday said the New & Renewable Energy Ministry has issued guidelines to provide Rs 4,950 crore incentive to discoms under the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. Criteria for incentivising Discoms include achievement of installation of additional grid-connected rooftop solar capacity beyond the baseline level, the New & Renewable Energy Minister said in a post on X. "Rs 4,950 crore incentives to Discoms under @PMSuryaGhar. The guidelines have been issued for effective disbursal of incentives," he said. The scheme guidelines for implementation of incentives to Discoms were notified by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) last week on July 18, an official statement said. The scheme has an outlay of Rs 75,021 crore and will be implemented till FY 2026-27, MNRE said. Under the scheme, Discoms are designated as state implementation agencies (SIAs) responsible for facilitating various measures, including net meter availability, timely ...

India will be 'engine of green energy growth': MNRE minister Joshi

India will be the engine of green energy growth for the world as the the country is expected to have an installed electrolyser manufacturing capacity of up to 100 GW by 2030, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Friday. The Minister for New and Renewable Energy made the remarks while inaugurating an electrolyser manufacturing facility of a private company at Doddaballapur, in Karnataka. "India has the potential to be the driver of growth for green energy in the world. The demand for green hydrogen shall fuel demand for electrolysers in India. By 2030, it is likely India shall have installed electrolyser capacity of 60 GW-100 GW," he added. His comments assume significance as the government has set up a target to have 5 million metric tonne (MMT) of installed green hydrogen mission capacity. Electrolysers are a key component used in the manufacturing of green hydrogen. The green hydrogen holds the key to decarbonising sectors like transportation, steel manufacturing, and even heavy

Research, sharing practices crucial for high-yield sugarcane: Pralhad Joshi

Research and sharing of best practices among nations are crucial for high-yield, disease-resistant sugarcane varieties and innovative uses of the commodity, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Tuesday. The Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution also said that sugar production is expected to be good this year depending upon the rains. He made the remarks at the 64th International Sugar Organisation (ISO) Council Meeting in the national capital. "Sharing best practices and fostering research collaboration across nations is vital. Let us work together to develop high-yielding, disease-resistant sugarcane varieties, explore innovative uses for sugarcane, and promote sustainable practices throughout the value chain," Joshi said. He said that advanced technologies across the sugar value chain should be increasingly adapted as they will be crucial for reducing waste and ensuring the sustainability of the industry. The nation is committed to actively collaborating wit

India should reduce coal imports, says G Kishan Reddy after taking charge

G Kishan Reddy on Thursday took charge as coal and mines minister and said that India should increase domestic production of the fossil-fuel and reduce coal imports. In the previous Narendra Modi government, both the ministries were led by Pralhad Joshi. Joshi who is the Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and New and Renewable Energy was also present during the occasion and wished Reddy all the success. "We should reduce import and increase domestic production," he told reporters after taking charge. India's coal import rose by 7.7 per cent to 268.24 million tonnes (MT) in FY '24. Reddy further said 10 years ago there was a coal shortage in the country and due to this there was also a shortage of electricity. But in the last 10 years there has been sufficient power availability. When asked what will be the priority of his government for the mines sector, he said "I have just taken charge and I will review the department... first I want to see my officers the

Implementing 100-day agenda a priority: Consumer Affairs minister Joshi

Talking about the National Food Security Act, he said that a system has already been set in place, adding that he will work towards strengthening it

Pralhad Joshi: From mining coal to building green energy and food security

Joshi is considered a trusted ally by MPs across parties and this has helped him push for coal reforms in states and get support from various departments such as railways and shipping

Modi 3.0 Cabinet: Pralhad Joshi becomes Union Renewable Energy Minister

A die-hard RSS loyalist and long-time BJP worker Pralhad Joshi has been appointed New & Renewable Energy Minister, who replaces RK Singh as he lost the election from the Arrah constituency. Joshi is a five-time member of Parliament from the saffron party's bastion of Dharwad in Karnataka. His main challenge will be to push the National Green Hydrogen Mission in the country. The government had also provided Rs 19,744 crore for setting a manufacturing capacity of electrolysers used for producing green hydrogen. The mission also provides incentives to produce green hydrogen and ammonia. Besides, Joshi will have to ensure 50 GW capacity addition of renewable energy every year to achieve the ultimate target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based power generation by 2030. India has set a huge trajectory of renewables to achieve the ambitious target of net zero emissions by 2070. Joshi is said to be close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP leader Amit Shah. He held portfolios of Coal, .

Pralhad Joshi, RSS loyalist, five-time MP, returns as Union minister

A die-hard RSS loyalist and long-time BJP worker, Pralhad Joshi is a fifth time member of Parliament from the saffron party's bastion of Dharwad in Karnataka. Said to be close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP leader Amit Shah, he held portfolios of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs in the previous Cabinet. As Parliamentary Affairs Minister, he played a key role in the functioning of both the Houses and in the passing of many crucial bills of national importance, during the 17th Lok Sabha. He spearheaded a series of initiatives and policy interventions which led to "unlocking the true potential" of the Coal & Mining sector towards self-reliance, a senior BJP leader said. Joshi, who had also served as BJP Karnataka president, came to the limelight as 'Rastradwaja Horata Samiti Sanchalak', when the party organised a movement to hoist the tricolour at Idgah Maidan in Hubballi that had created a huge law and order situation, and also "Save Kashmir Movement" in early ...

Captive, commercial coal blocks output surged 27% to 147 MT in FY24: Joshi

Captive and commercial coal blocks produced 147 million tonne coal in financial year 2023-24, registering a year-on-year growth of 27 per cent, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Wednesday. The mines had produced 116 MT coal during 2022-23. Out of 147.2 MT, power sector captive mines produced around 121.3 MT, non-power sector mines produced 8.4 MT and the production from commercial mines was 17.5 MT, Joshi said in a post on X. The production from power sector captive mines in FY24 rose 19 per cent as compared to the previous year. In non-power captive mines, the production growth was 63 per cent year-on-year. Output from commercial coal mines registered the highest year-on-year growth of 93 per cent in FY24. Dispatch from the mines during FY24 was 143 MT as against 110 MT in FY23. A total of 9 new coal mines commenced production during FY24 which includes 4 captive mines and 5 commercial mines. "The Ministry extends its appreciation to all stakeholders for their dedication and

Coal, lignite production hits all-time high of 1 bn tonnes in FY24: Joshi

The country has for the first time crossed the milestone of 1 billion tonnes of coal and lignite production in the financial year 2023-24, Union Coal and Mines Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Monday. India's total coal and lignite output was at 937 million tonnes (MT) in the preceding 2022-23 fiscal, as per official figures. "Proud to share that under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, we have registered a stellar achievement by crossing 1 billion tonne (BT) coal and lignite production," Joshi said. It is a historic moment for India as the country has achieved the highest-ever production, and it will go a long way in ensuring energy security to the nation. The continuous efforts to increase domestic coal production has ensured that going forward the country will never have to face coal shortage, the minister said. Joshi further said, "I thank the officials of the sector, all the coal warriors and private miners for their grit and hard work in helping achieve mission-1BT. Owing to y

Ministry to ensure 874 mn tonne coal supply for power sector in FY25: Joshi

The coal ministry is geared up to meet 874 million tonnes of anticipated coal demand for the power sector in 2024-25, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Wednesday. For the financial year ending March 31, the Power Ministry had placed a requirement of 821 million tonnes, Joshi told PTI on the sidelines of the release of the 'PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan in Coal Sector' booklet. Their (power ministry's) demand has been met. They had asked for 821 million tonnes and it has been supplied, the Minister said. "For FY25, the power ministry has asked for 874 million tonnes of coal. We will fulfil this requirement also. We are going to cross 1 billion tonne coal production by this March," he said. The share of imported coal for blending purposes has gone down this fiscal compared to last financial year, Joshi said. In FY24, coal import for blending was around 22.20 million tonnes, while it was at 30.80 million tonnes in the financial year 2022-23, he said. Savings to the tune of

Coal ministry will fulfill 874 mn tonnes coal requirement in FY25: Min

The coal ministry is geared up to fulfill the 874 million tonnes coal demand for the power sector in financial year 2024-25, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Wednesday. For the financial year ending March 31, the Power Ministry had placed a requirement of 821 million tonnes, Joshi told PTI on the sidelines of the release of 'PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan in Coal Sector' booklet. Their (power ministry's) demand has been met. They had asked for 821 million tonnes and it has been supplied, the Minister said. "For FY25, the power ministry has asked for 874 million tonnes of coal. We will fulfill this requirement also. We are going to cross 1 billion tonne coal production by this March," he said. The share of imported coal for blending purposes has gone down this fiscal compared to last financial year, Joshi said. In FY24, coal import for blending was around 22.20 million tonnes, while it was at 30.80 million tonnes in the financial year 2022-23, he said. Savings to the tune

First tranche of offshore mineral auction expected by mid-2024: Joshi

The first tranche of offshore minerals auctions is likely to kick off by June-July this year, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said. A total of 10 offshore mineral blocks have been short-listed by the mines ministry, and inter-ministerial consultations are underway to seek necessary clearances for auctions at the earliest, the Minister for Coal and Mines told PTI. When asked about a timeframe for the auction of offshore minerals, he said the auctions are likely to kick off by June-July of 2024. The blocks are located on the east and west coast of India, Joshi said without sharing any further information. "Our plan is to launch more tranches of auction of offshore minerals after concluding the first one," the minister added. The government amended the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002, to provide an auction route for awarding production leases for offshore minerals. Offshore minerals are located deep within the earth's crust and are difficult to extract com

Centre launches 2nd round of critical mineral auction worth Rs 30 trillion

The inaugural round for the auction of critical minerals in the country commenced on November 29. The minister disclosed that over 180 potential bidders have procured the tender documents

Nirmala Sitharaman, Jaishankar to contest LS polls, says Pralhad Joshi

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has said Union Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and S Jaishankar will contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. However, it has not been decided yet as to where they will contest from, he added. "It is appearing in the media. More or less it is final that they (Nirmala Sitharaman and Jaishankar) will contest the Lok Sabha elections. It has not been decided yet from where they will fight, whether it is in Karnataka or some other state," Joshi, who holds the Coal and Mines portfolio, told reporters here on Monday. To a question whether it will be Bengaluru, Joshi said, "How can I answer when nothing has been finalised?" Union Finance Minister Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar are Rajya Sabha members from Karnataka and Gujarat respectively.

12 Bills passed by both Houses in 17th LS: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi

The minister informed further the productivity over 11 days of sittings was logged at approximately 148 per cent in the Lok Sabha and 137 per cent approximately in the Rajya Sabha