https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Releasing Surguja Coal Mine Workers From Loan Sharks

In his 36-year career in Indian Police Service, retired IPS officer Pawan Jain emerged as a symbol of unwavering dedication and compassion. As SP of Surguja in Chhattisgarh, he confronted the harrowing plight of coal mine workers toiling in 35 mines under deplorable conditions His story stands as an enduring example of how one individual's genuine desire to uplift others can catalyze profound societal change
Indian Masterminds Stories

IPS Officer Pawan Jain, during his 36-year career, performed remarkably. A feather in his hat was to release the coal mine workers in Sarguja from the clutches of loan sharks. 

In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, Mr. Jain talked about one of his impressive initiatives that he undertook while in service.

HELPING COAL MINE WORKERS

This happened when Mr. Jain took over as the Superintendent of Police in the Surguja district of Chhattisgarh. Here, he resolved the harrowing plight of coal mine workers toiling in 35 mines under deplorable conditions.

These labourers, ensnared in debt bondage, earned far below the minimum wage. Their hard-earned wages were siphoned off by unscrupulous money lenders, pushing them deeper into a cycle of poverty.

“The workers were forced to give lakhs as interest on meagre loans of Rs. 5000. Since they were not well educated and didn’t understand the process well, they were exploited and couldn’t do anything about it. That’s when I decided to do something for them and help them in becoming debt free,” Mr. Jain told Indian Masterminds.

WORKING TOWARDS THE CAUSE

Witnessing this injustice, Mr. Jain embarked on a mission to liberate these workers from their financial shackles. Under his leadership, a pioneering debt-free programme was initiated. He orchestrated raids on the accountants’ establishments, recovering an astonishing sum of 15-20 crore rupees – money that rightfully belonged to the workers. Legal action was taken against 250 fraudulent money lenders, leading to their incarceration and license cancellation. 

“We registered cases against these 250 fraud accountants and took legal action against them. They were thrown behind bars and their licences were cancelled. The mine workers ultimately received their valuable belongings such as their house papers, gold, among other things that they had to mortgage to the accountants and became debt free for life,” shared Mr. Jain.

For his exceptional work, he was bestowed with the esteemed ‘T.P. Jhunjhunwala Social Service Award’ in 1997, a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice and social welfare.

STARTING POLICE MEET

However, Mr. Jain’s legacy extends far beyond this singular achievement. His tenure witnessed the establishment of the IPS Service Meet in Madhya Pradesh, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s administrative history. Through his years of service, he not only upheld his duties with unmatched dedication but also touched the lives of countless citizens through his benevolent initiatives.

As he ascended the ranks within the police force, he received numerous accolades that underscored his exceptional contributions. The ‘Nirala Yuva Sahitya Samman’ in 2002 recognized his literary prowess, reflecting his multifaceted talents.

His meritorious service was further acknowledged with the ‘President’s Police Medal’ in 2003 and 2013, underscoring his unwavering dedication to law enforcement. His international recognition came in the form of the INVC International Award ‘Manav Ratna Alankaran’ in 2021, a testament to his global impact.

Through his noble initiatives and exceptional leadership, he not only liberated the oppressed but also set an enduring example of compassion and integrity for others to emulate.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
Meteor missile acquisition
Meteor Missile Acquisition: After Operation Sindoor, Rafales Get a Deadly Upgrade to Shake Pakistan & China
Su-30MKI deal
From Importer to Global Exporter: Armenia Chooses India’s Su-30MKI Deal Over Russian & Western Jets
IAC 2
From INS Vikrant to IAC-2: Indian Navy’s 2026 Blueprint for Maritime Might and Second Indigenous Aircraft Carrier
Chabahar Port sanctions waiver
Game-Changer for India! Chabahar Port Sanctions Waiver Extended till 2026 Amid US–Iran Tensions
Rajesh Aggarwal
Who Is Rajesh Aggarwal? Technocrat IAS Officer Poised to Become Maharashtra’s Next Chief Secretary
bureaucracy news
IPoS Suvendu Kumar Swain Appointed as Member (Personnel), Postal Services Board; IAS Nand Kumarum Gets Additional Charge of MD & CEO, Digital India Corporation
hindustan-copper-ltd-resized
HCL to Celebrate 59th Foundation Day with Global Seminar on Critical Minerals for India’s Growth for Viksit Bharat @ 2047
IRCON
IRCON Appoints Rajesh Naik as Director (Projects) to Lead Strategic Growth and International Expansion
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Former IAS Anil Swarup
Former IAS Anil Swarup Reveals His Secrets of Success
IAS Gokul S
Meet IAS Gokul S — The Officer Who Turned Disability into Determination | Video Interview 
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-23 at 10.40
Everybody Needs To Know What Is Transpiring Behind Closed Doors Of Courts
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
IAS Gokul S
Meet IAS Gokul S — The Officer Who Turned Disability into Determination | Video Interview 
Visually impaired IAS officer Gokul S turned his challenges into change, empowering hundreds through...
Parmeshwar Chaudhary RAS
From Taunts to Triumph: How Farmer’s Son Parmeshwar Chaudhary Rose from Lab Assistant to SDM, Securing Rank 3 in RAS 2023
Parmeshwar, once taunted over his SI selection, has scripted a stunning success—securing Rank 3 in RAS...
IAS Rupal Rana UPSC
How Rupal Rana Cracked UPSC CSE 2023 with AIR 26 After Four Attempts
UPSC Topper Rupal Rana secured AIR 26 in 2023 after four attempts. Learn her preparation strategy, booklist,...
Social Media
Tenzin Yangki IPS Arunachal
Historic First: Who Is Tenzin Yangki, Arunachal Pradesh’s First Woman to Join IPS? Anand Mahindra Hails Her
She secured an impressive 545th rank in the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination - 2022.
IFS Parveen Kaswan
Heartbreak by the River: 15-Day-Old Elephant Calf Rejected by Mother, Rescued by IFS Parveen Kaswan and His Team
Jaldapra, West Bengal: In a moving incident that tugs at the heart, a 15-day-old elephant calf was rescued...
Ashwini Bhide IAS and Anand Mahindra
Who Is IAS Ashwini Bhide, Hailed as a Role Model for Mumbai Metro Transformation by Anand Mahindra?
From heritage to high-tech: Bhide’s leadership in Metro Line 3 earns public praise and admiration
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
Meteor missile acquisition
Meteor Missile Acquisition: After Operation Sindoor, Rafales Get a Deadly Upgrade to Shake Pakistan & China
Su-30MKI deal
From Importer to Global Exporter: Armenia Chooses India’s Su-30MKI Deal Over Russian & Western Jets
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Former IAS Anil Swarup
IAS Gokul S
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-23 at 10.40
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT