The first application window under the Centre’s ₹37,500-crore Scheme for Promotion of Surface Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects will close on September 7, 2026, according to the Ministry of Coal. The government has clarified that reports suggesting the scheme has received no applications are premature, as the first application round remains open until the deadline.

₹37,500 Crore Scheme

The Union Cabinet approved the scheme on May 13, 2026, with a total financial outlay of ₹37,500 crore. It is aimed at accelerating coal and lignite gasification in India and encouraging the conversion of domestic coal and lignite into higher-value products such as syngas, methanol, ammonia and urea.

The government expects greater use of domestic resources to help reduce dependence on imported feedstock while strengthening energy and economic security.

First Application Round

The Ministry of Coal issued the Request for Proposal on July 7, 2026, following which an online portal was opened for applications. A pre-application conference was subsequently held on July 20 to address questions related to eligibility, scheme provisions and the application process.

The deadline for the first round has been fixed for September 7. The ministry said it would therefore be premature to assess the final number of applications before the application window closes.

TFL and NTPC Already Applied

The ministry has also stated that Talcher Fertilisers Limited (TFL) and NTPC Limited have already submitted applications through the online portal. This contradicts claims that the scheme has received no applications.

Other prospective applicants are reportedly at different stages of preparing their project proposals.

More Rounds to Follow

Companies that are unable to complete their preparations for the first round will have additional opportunities. The scheme has been designed with a rolling application mechanism, under which a subsequent application round will open from the day after the previous round closes and remain open for two months.

This arrangement is intended to give potential developers more time to prepare pre-feasibility reports, assess technology options, arrange coal or lignite feedstock and evaluate project economics.

Investment and Employment Potential

According to the Ministry of Coal, the initiative is expected to catalyse investments of approximately ₹2.5 lakh crore to ₹3 lakh crore across nearly 25 projects. It could also generate around 50,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.

The scheme is also linked to the government’s broader objective of achieving 100 million tonnes of coal gasification capacity by 2030.

What Happens After September 7?

September 7 is therefore not the final opportunity for participation in the scheme. It marks the closing date of the first application round. Additional rounds are planned, allowing companies that need more time for technical and financial preparations to participate later.

The Ministry of Coal has said the scheme remains at an early stage and that its participation should be assessed after completion of the application process rather than through interim claims about the number of applicants.

Centre raises MSP for 14 kharif crops: Paddy up ₹72, tur by ₹450

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved an increase in the Minimum Support Price for 14 kharif crops, with paddy getting a ₹72 per quintal hike and tur dal seeing a sharp ₹450 rise.

Paddy, Tur get a push

The government has fixed the new MSP for paddy at ₹2,441 per quintal. For tur (pigeon pea), the increase is significantly higher at ₹450, reflecting the government's focus on boosting pulses production.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the decision after the Cabinet meeting. Officials said the revised rates will apply to the upcoming kharif sowing season, which typically begins with the onset of the southwest monsoon.

 What is MSP?

Minimum Support Price works as a safety net for farmers. When market prices fall below a certain level, the government steps in to buy crops at the guaranteed rate. This protects growers from sudden price crashes, especially during years of bumper production.

The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices recommends these rates before each crop season. The government largely accepts them, though political pressure often pushes MSPs higher than what the CACP originally suggests.

Other Cabinet decisions

Coal gasification push

The Cabinet approved a ₹37,500 crore scheme for surface coal and lignite gasification projects. The technology converts coal into gas, and the government wants to process 100 million tonnes by 2030. Officials believe this will cut down import dependence and strengthen energy security.

Nagpur Airport lease extended

The lease period for AAI-owned land at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport has been extended. The land was previously leased to MIHAN India Limited, and the tenure will now continue beyond August 6, 2039.

Semi-high-speed rail project cleared

The Ahmedabad (Sarkhej)-Dholera double line project received the green signal. At ₹20,667 crore, this will be India's first semi-high-speed railway project developed entirely with indigenous technology. The railways ministry will implement it.

Impact on farmers

For paddy growers, the ₹72 increase is modest compared to previous years. But traders note that tur farmers will benefit substantially. Pulses have seen volatile prices in recent seasons, and a higher MSP may encourage more area under cultivation.

Sources familiar with the matter said the government is particularly focused on reducing import dependency for tur and other pulses. India still brings in significant quantities from Myanmar and African nations.

The sowing season is just weeks away. Whether these rates actually translate into higher farmer incomes will depend on procurement efficiency. Past seasons have seen complaints about delayed purchases and limited procurement centres in some states.