Coal India Limited (CIL), under the Ministry of Coal, celebrated its 50th Foundation Day with grandeur on November 3, 2024, at the CIL Headquarters in Kolkata. This significant milestone event was attended by key dignitaries, including the Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, as the chief guest, along with Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, as the guest of honor. The occasion marked five decades of CIL’s service to the nation’s energy sector, highlighting its contributions and setting the stage for its future strategic initiatives.
Honoring Coal India Limited’s Legacy and Launch of the Golden Jubilee Logo
Shri G. Kishan Reddy, in his keynote address, praised Coal India Limited for its unparalleled contributions to India’s energy landscape. He highlighted the critical role CIL has played in bolstering the nation’s energy security and economic development. To commemorate the Golden Jubilee, Shri Reddy unveiled a specially designed Golden Jubilee logo and launched the mascot, “Angara.” This logo represents CIL’s longstanding commitment to innovation, growth, and sustainability, while the mascot, inspired by the Royal Bengal Tiger, symbolizes the strength, courage, and resilience of CIL’s workforce.
Union Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy’s Address
During his address, Shri Reddy extended his congratulations to the officers, staff, and workers of CIL for achieving the 50-year milestone. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing coal production and supply enhancement to reduce dependency on imports. Recognizing the essential role of CIL’s workforce, he praised the implementation of Performance Linked Incentives for contractual workers, effective from FY 2023-24, as a meaningful step to honor the contributions of coal miners.
Shri Reddy underscored the importance of miners’ welfare, as well as the rehabilitation of communities impacted by mine closures. He acknowledged the government’s initiatives, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, such as the 2015 Coal Mines Special Provision (CMSP) Act, which introduced transparent coal mine allocations through auctions. This initiative has significantly enhanced coal availability across sectors like steel, cement, and power utilities. Shri Reddy noted that the launch of commercial coal mining in 2020 has created a more transparent, business-friendly coal sector, fostering investment and expanding opportunities for CIL to compete in an open market.
Coal India Limited’s Role in India’s Energy Transition
The Union Minister stressed that coal will continue to be integral to India’s energy mix for the foreseeable future, even as the nation pursues ambitious renewable energy goals to address climate change. He lauded CIL’s recent diversification efforts, including its venture into thermal power generation and critical mineral acquisition, both vital to achieving a “Viksit Bharat” (developed India). He encouraged CIL to shoulder this responsibility and play a leading role in India’s journey toward self-reliance and sustainable development.
Secretary of Coal, Shri Vikram Dev Dutt’s Perspective
Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, the Secretary of Coal, highlighted CIL’s efforts to provide coal to Indian industries at competitive prices, reducing reliance on imported coal. He noted that coal stockpiles at power plants had reached 31.6 million tonnes as of October 28, 2024, up from 18.8 million tonnes the previous year—a 68% increase. This remarkable growth is largely attributed to Coal India Limited’s enhanced production capabilities and operational efficiency. Shri Dutt urged CIL to recalibrate its processes, improve operational and cost efficiency, and adapt to the evolving business landscape.
Strategic Initiatives and Sustainability Efforts
As part of the celebrations, Shri Reddy released a comprehensive 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. This solar initiative, involving an investment of ₹250 crores, is expected to generate approximately 49 million units of electricity. These forward-looking initiatives signal CIL’s commitment to sustainability and diversification, contributing to India’s renewable energy goals.
Recognizing Outstanding Performers
In closing the event, Shri Reddy presented awards to individuals and institutions who demonstrated outstanding performance, acknowledging their contributions to Coal India Limited’s success. This recognition aims to inspire continued excellence among CIL’s workforce, encouraging innovation, dedication, and a commitment to safety and efficiency.
A Vision for the Future
As Coal India Limited marks its 50th year, it remains committed to driving India’s energy security and sustainable growth. With a focus on increased coal production, diversification, and strategic initiatives in renewables, CIL is well-positioned to navigate the challenges and opportunities of a changing energy landscape. The celebrations underscored CIL’s pivotal role as a cornerstone of India’s energy sector and reaffirmed its mission to power the nation’s future. Looking ahead, Coal India Limited is poised to embrace a new era, balancing its legacy with the imperatives of sustainability and innovation.
