The Indian Union Cabinet has approved a ₹37,500 crore coal gasification scheme designed to convert 75 million tonnes of coal and lignite into synthesis gas, thereby reducing the country's dependence on expensive energy imports. With India's import bill for key products reaching approximately ₹2.77 lakh crore in FY25, this initiative is seen as crucial for enhancing energy self-reliance. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized that India has abundant coal reserves, estimated at 401 billion tonnes, which can sustain production for the next 200 years. The scheme will incentivize investors with up to 20% of their project costs, capped at ₹5,000 crore per project, and is expected to mobilize investments of about ₹3 lakh crore, generating around 50,000 jobs. Additionally, the government anticipates an annual revenue of ₹6,300 crore from coal and lignite utilization under this scheme, which aligns with India's broader goal of gasifying 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030.