New Delhi: The coal ministry Wednesday invited applications under its ₹37,500 crore scheme to promote surface coal and lignite gasification projects. This marks the next phase of the government's push to convert domestic coal into higher-value fuels and chemicals and reduce import dependence. The scheme, approved by the Cabinet in May, aims to push commercial-scale coal and lignite gasification projects by providing financial support to eligible developers. The ministry had issued the scheme guidelines on June 25, followed by the request for proposal. The last date for submitting applications is September 7.The ministry will hold a pre-application conference July 20 to explain the scheme provisions and address queries from prospective applicants and other stakeholders.