SECL Approves ₹170 Crores for CSR Initiatives to Boost Health, Education, and Skill Development in Coalfields Regions

New Delhi: South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited under the Ministry of Coal, Government of India, has approved an impressive ₹170 crores for various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects for the financial year 2024-25. This allocation is set to have a significant impact on health, education, and skill development infrastructure in coalfields regions, reflecting SECL’s continued commitment to holistic community development.

The approved budget not only exceeds SECL’s statutory CSR allocation of ₹99.76 crores for FY 24-25 but also underscores the company’s dedication to making a meaningful contribution to the socio-economic well-being of the regions it operates in. These initiatives are slated to be implemented over the next 2-3 years, with each project designed to address specific community needs.

A flagship initiative is SECL’s partnership with the National Institute of Technology, Raipur, for the construction of a ₹48.19 crore, 500-bed SECL Girls’ Hostel. The foundation stone for the project was laid byJagdeep Dhankhar, the Vice President of India, on January 21, 2025, in Raipur. The hostel will provide a safe and supportive environment for female students, encouraging higher education and empowerment for women in the region.

Another notable initiative is the second phase of “SECL ki Dhadkan”, part of the Coal India ka Nanha Sa Dil program, which focuses on providing life-saving surgeries for children suffering from Congenital Heart Defects (CHD). The initiative, launched on World CHD Awareness Day on February 14, 2025, has already treated 60 children. SECL has earmarked ₹4.71 crore to treat an additional 300 children with CHD in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. The program ensures that financial constraints do not hinder access to critical healthcare, offering a lifeline to vulnerable children in these regions.

SECL is also advancing its education initiatives through the Digi Vidya program. A ₹13.73 crore agreement between SECL, the Anuppur District Administration, and EdCIL India Limited will provide 265 smart classroom solutions and 84 science labs across 84 government schools in Anuppur district, Madhya Pradesh. This initiative is expected to enhance the learning experience for students in these schools, equipping them with the tools necessary for a brighter future.

In support of India’s 100-Day Intensified Campaign for TB Elimination, SECL has partnered with the RK HIV & AIDS Research and Care Centre, Mumbai, for a ₹3.82 crore project. This initiative will provide TB screenings for 50,000 individuals and offer medicines and nutrition kits to 300 patients across Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.

Skill development remains another focus area for SECL, with a ₹3.12 crore MoU signed with the Apparel Training & Design Centre (ATDC), Gurugram. This vocational training program will empower 400 underprivileged youth, providing them with skills relevant to the apparel and textile industry and opening doors to self-employment opportunities.

Other important CSR initiatives approved by SECL include:

• A 3.0 Tesla MRI Machine for the Late Bisahu Das Mahant Memorial Medical College, Korba, with a budget of ₹28.08 crores.
• Financial assistance to the Vidisha District Administration, Madhya Pradesh, for combating malnutrition and stunting and screening for anemia and sickle cell anemia, with an allocation of ₹30.92 crores.
• A Multi-Skill Development Institute (MSDI) project in partnership with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), benefiting 1,260 youth in SECL operational areas, with an investment of ₹6.87 crores.

SECL’s diverse CSR initiatives reflect its ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life for communities in its operational areas, contributing to both social and economic development. The company’s approach ensures that its corporate responsibility extends beyond the workplace, fostering a sustainable future for all.