New Delhi: Coal India Limited (CIL), under the Ministry of Coal, marked its 50th Foundation Day on November 3, 2024 at the CIL Headquarters in Kolkata. The celebration was graced by Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, as the chief guest, along with Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, as the guest of honour. This significant event not only celebrated CIL's remarkable contributions to the nation's energy sector over the past five decades but also laid the groundwork for its future initiatives and strategic direction.
On this occasion, Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy launched the Golden Jubilee logo and unveiled the mascot “Angara.” The logo symbolises CIL’s pivotal role as the backbone of India’s energy sector, reflecting the company's commitment to innovation, progress, and sustainability. The mascot embodies the strength and resilience of coal miners, highlighting their courage and dedication. Inspired by the Royal Bengal Tiger, Angara captures the essence of CIL’s workforce.
In his address, G. Kishan Reddy extended heartfelt congratulations to the officers, staff, and workers of Coal India Limited for reaching this milestone and stressed that increasing coal production and enhancing supplies to reduce imports should be CIL's foremost priorities. He underscored the importance of miners' welfare and the rehabilitation of communities affected by mine closures. "Contractual workers play a significant role in Coal India’s output, and I applaud the management's decision to implement Performance Linked Incentives for them, effective FY 2023-24," he stated.
The Minister noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Coal Mines Special Provision (CMSP) Act was enacted in 2015 to augment coal production through transparent allocation of coal mines via auction. This initiative has been crucial in ensuring coal availability for sectors such as steel, cement, and power utilities. He also highlighted that the launch of commercial coal mining in 2020 has brought transparency, ease of doing business, and investment opportunities to the sector, expressing confidence in CIL’s capacity to compete in the open market.
Reddy reiterated that while coal will remain a central component of India’s energy landscape for the coming decades, the nation is heavily investing in renewable energy and addressing climate change. He commended CIL's diversification efforts, including setting up a thermal power plant and foraying into critical mineral acquisition. In the Viksit Bharat initiative, Coal India has a crucial role to play and must embrace this responsibility.
Addressing the event, Secretary of Coal Vikram Dev Dutt highlighted that CIL provides coal to Indian consumers at competitive rates compared to imported coal. He added that coal stocks at power plants reached 31.6 MT as of October 28, 2024, compared to 18.8 MT for the corresponding period last year, marking a 68% growth, largely attributed to CIL's contributions. He emphasised that Coal India should recalibrate its processes, operational and cost efficiency in line with evolving business dynamics.
G. Kishan Reddy also released the Strategy Report on Coal and Lignite Exploration, inaugurated the Mine Closure Portal, and announced the development of a 50 MW solar power plant at the Nigahi project of Northern Coalfields Limited, involving an investment of ₹250 crores. This solar initiative is expected to generate 49 million units of electricity. The Minister concluded the ceremony by presenting awards to outstanding performers in both institutional and individual categories, recognising their significant contributions to CIL’s success.
As Coal India Limited celebrates this significant milestone, the organisation reaffirms its commitment to driving sustainable growth and energy security for the nation. Looking ahead, CIL is poised to embrace new challenges and opportunities while continuing to uphold its legacy as a cornerstone of India’s energy sector.
BI Bureau
