<h1>Largest state-owned coal miner raises fatal accident ex-gratia to Rs25 lakh, adds Rs1 crore insurance and uniforms</h1> The government announced that the country's largest state-owned coal miner will increase ex-gratia payments for fatal mine accidents from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 25 lakh effective Sept 17, provide additional accidental insurance of Rs 1 crore for employees and Rs 40 lakh for contractual workers, and introduce uniforms for all staff including senior executives. The ministry signalled further coal-sector reforms to improve transparency in block auctions, promote safety and thermal-plus-green energy goals, and pursue a Rs 32,000 crore critical-minerals mission with international exploration partnerships and expanded public-private participation.