Coal India Limited (CIL) as an organized state owned coal mining corporate came into being in November 1975 with the government taking over private coal mines. With a modest production of 79 Million Tonnes (MTs) at the year of its inception CIL today is the single largest coal producer in the world. Operating through 81 mining areas CIL is an apex body with 7 wholly owned coal producing subsidiaries and 1 mine planning and consultancy company spread over 8 provincial states of India. CIL also fully owns a mining company in Mozambique christened as 'Coal India Africana Limitada'​. CIL also manages 200 other establishments like workshops, hospitals etc. Further, it also owns 26 technical & management training institutes and 102 Vocational Training Institutes Centres. Indian Institute of Coal Management (IICM) as a state-of-the-art Management Training 'Centre of Excellence'​ operates under CIL and conducts multi disciplinary management development programmes. CIL having fulfilled the financial and other prerequisites was granted the Maharatna recognition in April 2011. It is a privileged status conferred by Government of India to select state owned enterprises in order to empower them to expand their operations and emerge as global giants.Unmatched Strategic Relevance ◾1. Produces around 81.1% of India's overall coal production◾2. In India where approximately 52% of primary commercial energy is coal dependent, CIL alone meets to the tune of 40% of primary commercial energy requirement◾3. Commands nearly 74% of the Indian coal market◾4. Feeds 82 out of 86 coal based thermal power plants in India◾5. Accounts for 76% of total thermal power generating capacity of the Utility sector◾6. Supplies coal at prices discounted to international prices◾7. Insulates Indian coal consumers against price volatility◾8. Makes the end user industry globally competitive