SECL launches training programme for authorised officers under MMDR Act

New Delhi/Bilaspur: South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) on Tuesday commenced a four-day awareness and capacity-building training programme for authorised officers under various provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, at its headquarters in Bilaspur.

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The training programme, being conducted at the Management Development Institute (MDI), SECL Headquarters, was inaugurated by SECL Director (HR) Biranchi Das.

The programme has been organised for officers authorised under Sections 22, 23B and 24 of the MMDR Act, which empower designated officials to take action against illegal coal mining and coal theft.

According to the provisions notified by the Government of India, officials of SECL, CISF, TSR and the State Industrial Security Force (SISF), Madhya Pradesh, have been authorised to initiate action against illegal mining activities and coal theft. The authorised officers are empowered to file complaints directly before courts, facilitating quicker and more effective disposal of cases related to illegal mining and unlawful transportation of coal.

Former Inspector General of Jharkhand Police and retired IPS officer Vipul Shukla has been invited as the subject expert for the programme. Currently serving as Senior Advisor (Security) at BCCL, Shukla will provide training on various provisions of the MMDR Act, legal procedures concerning illegal mining and transportation of minerals, investigation techniques, evidence collection and preparation of prosecution reports.

The training programme is being conducted in different batches from June 23 to June 26. Participants include senior SECL officials, Area Security Nodal Officers, General Managers, Agents, Managers, officers and employees from the Human Resource and Security departments, along with personnel from CISF, TSR and SISF (Madhya Pradesh).

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Speaking on the occasion, Biranchi Das emphasised the importance of strengthening institutional capabilities to effectively tackle illegal mining and coal theft.

SECL said that the primary objective of the programme is to enhance awareness among authorised officers regarding their powers, responsibilities and legal procedures under the MMDR Act, while building their capacity to address issues related to illegal mining and coal theft in a more effective and coordinated manner.

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