Gopalpur, Odisha: Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), a leading subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL), successfully hosted the 4th edition of the Coal India CSR Conclave at Gopalpur, Odisha.
The event brought together senior leadership, policymakers, thought leaders, and CSR champions to deliberate on the future of corporate social responsibility in India’s coal sector.
Minister of State Commends Coal India’s Role in Social Welfare
Delivering his address virtually, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, Hon’ble Minister of State for Coal & Mines, acknowledged the significant social impact of Coal India’s CSR initiatives.
He lauded the organization’s consistent efforts towards improving community well-being and expressed confidence that Coal India would continue to lead by example in nation-building through responsible business.
Chairman Highlights ‘People, Profit, Planet’ as Guiding Principles
In his keynote address, Coal India Chairman, Shri P.M. Prasad, emphasized the company’s unwavering focus on the three core pillars of sustainability — People, Profit, and Planet.
He highlighted several of Coal India’s flagship CSR projects that have earned accolades for their innovation, inclusivity, and alignment with national priorities such as health, education, livelihood, and environmental sustainability.
“CSR is not an obligation; it is our commitment to those who support us — communities, employees, and the environment,” Prasad said.
Director (HR) Stresses Need-Based, Transparent CSR
Dr. Vinay Ranjan, Director (HR), Coal India, reiterated the organization’s pro-employee and community-first approach.
Read also: Coal India Partners with IRCON to Strengthen Rail Network for Seamless Coal Transportation
He advocated for need-based CSR programs that engage meaningfully with communities and evolve through open, transparent, and inclusive policies.
CVO Links CSR with Ethical Governance
Shri Brajesh Kumar Tripathy, Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO), highlighted the philosophical alignment between CSR and vigilance — both rooted in values of ethics, accountability, and integrity.
He emphasized that CSR should not just be an activity, but a core part of ethical governance and public service.
CSR Pioneer Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee Shares Strategic Vision
One of the highlights of the conclave was an insightful address by Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee, considered the father of CSR in India. Dr. Chatterjee spoke about the evolution of CSR legislation and its role in shaping India’s socio-economic fabric.
He stressed the importance of purpose-driven CSR, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and India’s long-term development agenda.
MCL CMD Showcases Regional CSR Impact
In the welcome address, Mr. Uday A. Kaole, Chairman and Managing Director of MCL, shared details of the subsidiary’s impactful CSR programs in Odisha.
These include initiatives in healthcare, education, rural infrastructure, skill development, and environmental sustainability, significantly improving the quality of life in coal-bearing regions.
Outstanding Contributors Honoured
The conclave also recognized and felicitated outstanding CSR performers from across Coal India’s subsidiaries for their exceptional contributions and innovative approaches to social responsibility.
Way ahead: CSR as a Catalyst for Change
The 4th Coal India CSR Conclave served as a powerful platform to reflect, recalibrate, and recommit to responsible and inclusive development.
With renewed focus on sustainability and ethical governance, Coal India and its subsidiaries reaffirmed their leadership in CSR, setting benchmarks for the Indian public sector.
