In India, what is the role of the Coal Controller's Organization (CCO)? 1. CCO is the major source of Coal Statistics in Government of India. 2. It monitors progress of development of Captive Coal/Lignite blocks. 3. It hears any objection to the Government's notification relating to acquisition of coal-bearing areas. 4. It ensures that coal mining companies deliver the coal to end users in the prescribed time. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Answer: A. Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct functions of the Coal Controller's Organization. The COAL CONTROLLER'S ORGANIZATION (CCO) is a subordinate office of the Ministry of Coal, headquartered in Kolkata. Established in 1916, it administers various Coal Acts. Statement 1 is CORRECT. CCO is the MAJOR SOURCE OF COAL STATISTICS for the Government of India. CCO publishes the 'Coal Directory of India' annually, providing comprehensive data on production, consumption, dispatches, prices, and reserves. Statement 2 is CORRECT. CCO MONITORS THE PROGRESS of development of CAPTIVE COAL/LIGNITE BLOCKS allocated to non-coal companies (cement, steel, power producers). It assesses milestones and may recommend deallocation for non-performance. Statement 3 is CORRECT. Under the COAL BEARING AREAS (ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT) ACT 1957, the CCO is the AUTHORITY that hears OBJECTIONS to the Government's notification for acquisition of coal-bearing areas. This is a quasi-judicial function. Statement 4 is WRONG. CCO does NOT directly ensure timely delivery of coal to end users — this is the responsibility of CIL subsidiaries, SCCL and railway authorities. CCO's role is regulatory and statistical, not operational delivery monitoring. Source: Ministry of Coal Annual Report / Coal Bearing Areas Act 1957.