Union Coal Minister reviews WCL's performance; launches key initiatives in Nagpur

New Delhi: The Minister of Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy, conducted a review of the performance of Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) during a meeting held at the company’s headquarters in Nagpur on October 7. The Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, also participated in the review meeting, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Coal, Coal India Limited (CIL), and WCL.

PSU Watch is now on Whatsapp Channels. Click here to join

During the meeting, Minister assessed WCL's coal production, productivity, and dispatch operations. He also addressed concerns related to land acquisition, environmental and forest clearances, and issues affecting Project Affected People (PAPs). J.P. Dwivedi, Chairman and Managing Director of WCL, presented a detailed overview of WCL's operations and strategies to tackle rehabilitation and resettlement challenges for PAPs.

Reddy emphasized the importance of meeting the annual production targets set for all CIL subsidiaries to ensure the country’s coal supply. He stressed that ongoing projects must be strengthened, and new initiatives launched to secure India’s self-reliance in the coal sector. He assured the Ministry’s support in these efforts, urging swift action on key operational and regulatory matters.

The review was also attended by Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Coal, P.M. Prasad, Chairman of Coal India Limited, and other senior officials.

Key Initiatives Launched

As part of his visit, G. Kishan Reddy inaugurated several initiatives aimed at improving security and promoting educational opportunities in the coal sector. At WCL headquarters, he launched the Coal Shakti Dal, a specialized security team equipped with modern technology to address emergencies and unauthorized access to coal mines.

Additionally, the Minister planted a sapling under the Ministry of Coal’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative and visited the Integrated Control and Command Centre (ICCC), an AI-enabled facility for monitoring and managing WCL’s mining operations.

Prior to the review meeting, the Minister virtually inaugurated CMPDI’s NaCCER Test Lab in Ranchi, a facility dedicated to research and development in coal testing.

Focus on Education and Community Support

WCL’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts were highlighted with the launch of ‘Tarash 2.0,’ a project designed to support 40 students preparing for IIT-JEE and NEET exams. The initiative provides students with coaching, accommodation, meals, books, and a monthly stipend of Rs 1,000. Four students who scored above 95 percent in their 10th-grade exams were recognized for their academic achievements.

The Minister also recognized sanitation workers for their contributions to the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign 2024.’ He provided financial assistance of ₹1 lakh to Mehak, the daughter of a former sanitation worker, to support her education and family needs.

The visit reinforced the government’s focus on improving coal sector operations, ensuring community welfare, and fostering educational opportunities for the future workforce.

(PSU Watch– India's Business News centre that places the spotlight on PSUs, Bureaucracy, Defence and Public Policy is now on Google News. Click here to follow. Also, join PSU Watch Channel in your Telegram. You may also follow us on Twitter here and stay updated.)