New Delhi: South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, has achieved a major milestone as its flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative ‘SECL Ke Sushrut’ becomes the first CSR scheme of any Coal Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) to be notified in the Gazette of India.
The achievement has been made under the guidance of the Ministry of Coal, which issued a Gazette Notification enabling Aadhaar authentication for beneficiaries of the programme. The move is expected to improve transparency, efficiency, and targeted delivery of benefits under the initiative.
Ministry of Coal Issues Gazette Notification for SECL Ke Sushrut
The Ministry of Coal has issued the notification under the provisions of the:
- Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016
- Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation and Knowledge) Rules, 2020
The notification allows beneficiaries of SECL Ke Sushrut to undergo voluntary Aadhaar authentication for accessing programme benefits.
For beneficiaries who do not wish to use Aadhaar authentication, alternative government-approved identity documents will continue to be accepted, ensuring accessibility and inclusiveness.
SECL Ke Sushrut Provides Free NEET Coaching to Meritorious Students
Launched in 2023, SECL Ke Sushrut is SECL’s flagship CSR initiative aimed at supporting talented students from SECL’s operational areas.
Under the programme, selected students receive free residential coaching for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), helping them pursue careers in medicine and allied healthcare fields.
The initiative focuses on providing equal opportunities to deserving students from mining communities and helping them achieve their academic goals.
First Batch Achieves Outstanding NEET Results
The first batch of SECL Ke Sushrut (2023–24) delivered remarkable outcomes.
Out of 40 students, 39 students qualified for NEET. Several students secured admissions in prestigious healthcare courses, including:
- 11 students in MBBS programmes
- 2 students in BDS programmes
- 2 students in Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) programmes
- 2 students in Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPTH) programmes
- 2 students in Veterinary courses
The students secured admission in government colleges across Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.
Second Batch Continues Strong Performance
The second batch of the initiative, conducted during 2024–25, also achieved impressive results.
Out of 40 students, 31 students qualified NEET, leading to admissions in various healthcare-related programmes, including:
- MBBS
- BDS
- BAMS
- Bachelor of Fisheries Science (B.F.Sc.)
The continued success of the programme highlights SECL’s commitment towards promoting quality education and creating opportunities for students from its operational regions.
SECL Ke Sushrut Strengthens Transparency Through Technology
The Gazette notification marks another important step in strengthening the institutional framework of SECL Ke Sushrut.
The Aadhaar authentication mechanism will help ensure:
- Transparent beneficiary identification
- Efficient delivery of programme benefits
- Better accountability
- Technology-enabled monitoring
- Improved ease of access for eligible students
The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s focus on digital governance and transparent delivery of welfare programmes.
SECL Ke Sushrut Already Listed on Government DBT Portal
Before receiving Gazette recognition, SECL Ke Sushrut had achieved another distinction by becoming the first and only CSR scheme of any Coal PSU to be listed on the Government of India’s Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Portal.
The listing reflects the programme’s strong governance structure and commitment towards technology-based and accountable CSR implementation.
Supporting Healthcare Aspirations Through CSR
Through SECL Ke Sushrut, South Eastern Coalfields Limited continues to create educational opportunities for talented students from mining communities.
By supporting aspiring medical professionals, the initiative contributes not only to individual career growth but also to strengthening India’s healthcare ecosystem by nurturing future doctors and healthcare professionals.
About South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL)
South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) is one of the largest coal-producing subsidiaries of Coal India Limited and operates mainly in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. The company plays an important role in meeting India’s energy requirements while undertaking various CSR initiatives focused on education, healthcare, skill development, infrastructure, and community welfare in its operational areas.
