Ranchi: Rakesh Mohan, member of the economic advisory committee to PM Narendra Modi, on Wednesday said states like Jharkhand must diversify beyond coal mining to absorb their manpower as demand for coal in the power sector would decline in the coming years.Speaking to media here, Mohan said, “As thermal production would reduce in the coming years, dependence on coal for power generation is set to decline. Mechanisation of mines would also lay off the workers.”Mohan said that govts of coal-producing states, including Jharkhand, should start thinking about the sectors where their workers would be shifted from the mines. “Enhancing education system to ensure employment for the future generation should be among the priorities,” he said.When asked about the 0.4% charge on UPI transactions beyond a limit, he justified the step, saying the cost of operating the system has become high.On the global scenario, he opined that India’s import of Russian oil was beneficial for other countries of the world, as it has increased the overall global oil supply, which in turn has helped regulate prices. He added that despite supply problems, Indian govt has kept the oil prices under control while taking a fiscal hit to a certain extent.He also emphasised labour-intensive industries and increasing export to the ASEAN countries.
