New Delhi, Dec. 12 -- In bid to find new buyers for domestic coal, the union cabinet has approved a new policy to allow coal buyers under linkages or long term contracts to export it.

The cabinet on Friday also approved the 16th Census of India, which will start in April 2026 and end in February 2027. About three million people will help conduct the world's largest statistical exercise, for which Rs.11,718 crore has been approved.

Coal linkage is a contract or agreement for the supply coal from specific mines to designated consumers. The move is aimed at broadening the market for Indian coal and allowing the supply of more coal for exports. India's annual coal production crossed the one billion tonnes for the first time in FY24.

The ne...