New Delhi: In a key administrative development in India’s coal sector, the Ministry of Coal, Government of India, has assigned Biranchi Das, Director (Human Resource), South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), the additional charge of Director (Human Resource), Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL). The appointment has been approved by the Minister of Coal and will be effective from July 1, 2026, for a period of six months or until a regular appointment is made, whichever is earlier.
Biranchi Das Gets Additional HR Responsibility at MCL
According to an official order, Biranchi Das will take on dual responsibilities, continuing his role at SECL while also overseeing human resource operations at MCL.
The move reflects the Ministry’s confidence in his leadership in the areas of:
- Human resource management
- Industrial relations
- Employee welfare and organisational development
His appointment is expected to strengthen HR coordination across two major subsidiaries of Coal India Limited.
Experience in HR Leadership at SECL
Biranchi Das has been serving as Director (Human Resource) at SECL since March 20, 2024. During his tenure, he has led several impactful employee welfare and CSR-driven initiatives aimed at improving both workforce efficiency and community development.
Under his leadership, SECL has focused on integrating social responsibility with human resource management.
Flagship CSR Initiatives Under His Leadership
SECL Ki Dhadkan
One of the most prominent CSR programmes led by SECL under Das is “SECL Ki Dhadkan”, which has facilitated:
- 300 life-saving congenital heart surgeries for underprivileged children
- Access to quality healthcare for economically weaker sections
- Recognition as a benchmark CSR initiative in the coal sector
SECL Ke Sushrut
Another key initiative, “SECL Ke Sushrut”, has:
- Completed two batches of medical entrance coaching students
- Supported aspirants from underprivileged backgrounds
- Become the first CSR programme of a Coal PSU listed on the Government of India’s Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Portal, enhancing transparency and direct benefit delivery
Human Resource and Welfare Achievements at SECL
During his tenure, SECL has made significant progress in employee welfare and rehabilitation efforts.
Key achievements include:
- Employment provided to over 1,623 landowners
- Employment extended to 946 dependent family members
- Strengthening of rehabilitation and resettlement processes
- Introduction of employee-centric policies to improve industrial relations and workplace efficiency
These initiatives reflect SECL’s focus on inclusive growth and workforce stability.
Career Journey of Biranchi Das
Biranchi Das began his career in 1994 as a Welfare Officer (Trainee) at Deulbera Colliery in the Talcher Area of Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL).
He holds a postgraduate degree in:
- Personnel Management and Industrial Relations from Utkal University, Odisha
During his early tenure at MCL, he played a key role in:
- Strengthening industrial relations
- Formulating HR policies, including House Allotment and Administration Rules for non-executive employees
- Supporting workforce governance and employee administration frameworks
Board-Level Responsibilities
In addition to his current roles, Biranchi Das also serves on the boards of:
- Chhattisgarh East Railway Limited (CERL)
- Chhattisgarh East-West Railway Limited (CEWRL)
In these positions, he contributes to strategic decision-making in infrastructure and allied sectors.
Strategic Importance of the Additional Charge
Industry observers believe that assigning dual HR leadership roles to Biranchi Das will:
- Improve coordination between SECL and MCL HR systems
- Strengthen employee welfare frameworks
- Enhance industrial relations across Coal India subsidiaries
- Support sustainable and efficient workforce management
The additional charge is seen as a move to ensure continuity and experienced leadership until a permanent appointment is made at MCL.
About Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL)
Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) is a major subsidiary of Coal India Limited under the Ministry of Coal, Government of India. It is one of the largest coal-producing companies in India, primarily operating in Odisha, and plays a crucial role in meeting the country’s energy demand through coal production and supply to power and industrial sectors.
