Nagpur: Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the BAIF Development Research Foundation to launch the Community Livelihood Enhancement and Sustainable Rural Development Programme under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
The programme will focus on promoting climate-resilient livelihoods, food and nutrition security, and sustainable rural development among communities in Umred and Bhivapur blocks of Nagpur district.
Programme to Benefit 4,800 Families Across 20 Villages
The initiative aims to improve the annual income and livelihood opportunities of 1,000 small and marginal farmers, while ultimately benefiting around 4,800 families across 20 villages.
The programme will focus on:
- Climate-resilient livelihood development
- Improving food and nutrition security
- Increasing farmers’ annual incomes
- Sustainable management of natural resources
- Livestock development
- Adoption of clean energy
- Women’s empowerment
- Strengthening village-level institutions
Read also: Western Coalfields to Provide ₹2 Crore CSR Aid for Sevanand School Development in Koradi
Focus on Climate-Smart Agriculture and Rural Development
As part of the programme, WCL and BAIF will undertake a range of interventions designed to help rural communities build sustainable and climate-resilient livelihoods.
Climate-smart agriculture will be promoted to support farmers in adapting to changing climatic conditions and improving agricultural productivity. The initiative will also encourage natural-resource management, livestock development and clean energy adoption to create diversified and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Women’s empowerment will be another important component of the programme, with efforts aimed at increasing their participation in livelihood and community development activities.
WCL and BAIF Sign MoU for Sustainable Development
The MoU was signed under the leadership of Dr. Hemant Sharad Pande, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, WCL, in the presence of Bikram Ghosh, Director (Human Resources), WCL.
Lalit Prakash Tirkey, General Manager (CSR), WCL, and Shailesh Bhagat, Chief Programme Manager, BAIF Vidharbha, formally signed and exchanged the agreement.
The partnership will combine WCL’s CSR efforts with BAIF’s expertise in rural development to implement livelihood-focused interventions across the identified villages.
Initiative to Strengthen Rural Communities
Through the programme, WCL aims to improve the quality of life of rural communities while strengthening local institutions and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The initiative is expected to contribute to greater economic resilience, food security and sustainable development among small and marginal farming households in Nagpur district.
The programme also reflects WCL’s continued focus on responsible corporate citizenship and inclusive development through targeted CSR interventions in its operational areas.
About Western Coalfields Limited (WCL)
Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) is a Miniratna public sector undertaking and a subsidiary of Coal India Limited under the Ministry of Coal, Government of India. Headquartered in Nagpur, Maharashtra, WCL operates coal mines across Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh and plays a key role in meeting India’s energy needs. Along with its mining operations, the company actively implements Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives focused on education, healthcare, skill development, environmental sustainability and community welfare.
