Pvt Cos Could Help Reduce Dependence On Imports By Bridging Demand-Output Shortfall Subhash Narayan NEW DELHI THE government plans to throw open commercial coal mining activities in the country by allowing private companies to form joint ventures with public sector firms such as Coal India, NTPC and the mineral development corporations of various state governments. The development is significant as it will seek to allow private companies such as Tata Steel, Monnet Ispat, GVK Power to sell domestic coal in the open market, so far a monopoly of public sector companies. Private companies are only permitted to mine coal for their captive consumption now. Getting private firms could also help to boost India