New Delhi: Coal India Limited (CIL) has significantly expanded the scale and scope of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, with its annual CSR expenditure now touching nearly ₹1,000 crore. Between FY 2014-15 and FY 2025-26, the company spent ₹7,276 crore on CSR against a statutory requirement of ₹5,795 crore, highlighting the growing scale of its community-focused programmes.
The company’s CSR journey has evolved from local community welfare around mining areas to a broader approach focused on healthcare, education, sanitation, skill development, livelihoods, sports and inclusive growth.
From Community Development to Institutionalised CSR
Coal India and its subsidiaries were involved in community welfare activities even before CSR became a statutory requirement under the Companies Act, 2013.
Under the Community Development (CD) Policy, 2005, CIL subsidiaries supported villages located within an 8-km radius of mining operations. These initiatives included:
- Drinking water facilities
- Health camps
- Small infrastructure projects
- Community welfare activities
During the three years immediately preceding the implementation of the Companies Act CSR framework, CIL’s consolidated community development expenditure increased substantially:
- FY 2011-12: ₹82 crore
- FY 2013-14: ₹409 crore
The earlier initiatives provided the foundation for a more structured and institutionalised CSR framework after the enactment of the Companies Act, 2013.
CIL Expands CSR Focus to a 25-Km Radius
The introduction of Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 established a statutory framework for corporate CSR spending. Companies were required to allocate a prescribed portion of their average net profits to CSR activities in areas covered under Schedule VII of the Act.
CIL subsequently developed its own CSR policy architecture with a strong focus on communities around its operations.
Under the policy:
- At least 80% of annual CSR expenditure is focused within a 25-km radius of mines and establishments.
- Project Affected Areas receive priority.
- The remaining CSR expenditure can support state and national-level initiatives.
- More than 90% of CIL’s CSR expenditure continues to be incurred in coal-bearing states.
This approach is intended to ensure that communities directly affected by mining activities remain a key focus of the company’s CSR programmes.
CIL Spends ₹7,276 Crore on CSR in 12 Years
CIL has consistently exceeded its statutory CSR spending requirement over the years.
Between FY 2014-15 and FY 2025-26, the company spent ₹7,276 crore, compared with a statutory requirement of ₹5,795 crore.
The scale of annual expenditure has also increased considerably. From an annual outlay closer to ₹500 crore in earlier years, CIL’s CSR spending has now reached nearly ₹1,000 crore annually.
This places CIL among the major corporate CSR spenders in India and reflects the expansion of its community development programmes.
CSR Initiatives Aligned With National Missions
CIL’s CSR portfolio has increasingly focused on programmes linked with national development priorities.
The company was the number one CPSE contributor to the Swachh Vidyalaya Abhiyan, under which more than 50,000 toilets were completed in government schools.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, CIL contributed to the PM-CARES Fund and implemented several healthcare interventions, including dedicated hospitals in Odisha and Chhattisgarh and oxygen plants under Mission Praana Vayu.
These initiatives expanded CIL’s CSR activities beyond mining-area development into broader public welfare programmes.
NIRMAN Scheme Supports UPSC Aspirants
The NIRMAN scheme has emerged as one of CIL’s flagship education initiatives.
Under the programme, more than 1,300 UPSC aspirants from mining districts have received support.
The initiative is aimed at helping talented candidates from communities in and around CIL’s operational areas pursue careers in civil services.
Healthcare Programmes Benefit Thousands
Healthcare remains one of the key areas of CIL’s CSR intervention.
Under the Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana, more than 1,000 bone marrow transplants have been facilitated, providing critical treatment to children suffering from thalassemia.
Another major initiative, Nanha Sa Dil, has screened more than 2 lakh children for congenital heart disease and helped cure more than 1,700 children through appropriate medical interventions.
CIL has also invested in major healthcare infrastructure, including:
- A 500-bed medical college and hospital at Angul
- A cardiac care centre at Jharsuguda
- Combined investment of around ₹596 crore
These facilities are intended to strengthen tertiary healthcare infrastructure in their respective regions.
Digital Vidya and Education Infrastructure
CIL’s education-focused CSR programmes have also expanded significantly.
Under Digital Vidya, the company has commissioned:
- More than 2,300 smart classrooms
- Around 500 ICT/STEM labs in government schools
A 5,000-seater state library is also under construction in Ranchi, further expanding access to educational resources.
CIL’s scholarship programmes implemented in association with the Supreme Court of India have reached more than 2,500 children, providing educational support to beneficiaries.
Skill Development and Livelihood Programmes
CIL’s CSR initiatives also focus on improving employment opportunities and supporting livelihoods.
Programmes such as Project PRAGATI, tribal women’s poultry support initiatives, plastic engineering training and multi-skill development programmes have benefited more than 48,000 people over the last four financial years.
These interventions aim to strengthen skills, income-generation opportunities and livelihood security among communities in and around coal-producing regions.
Sports and Public-Interest Infrastructure
CIL has also used its CSR programmes to promote sports and support public-interest infrastructure.
The Khelgaon Sports Academy, operated in partnership with the Government of Jharkhand, has produced more than 1,800 medals, including 15 medals at the international level.
Other major public-interest projects supported by CIL include:
- Centenary building at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad
- Illumination of Kolkata’s Howrah Bridge
- Other infrastructure projects supporting educational and public institutions
These initiatives have expanded the footprint of CIL’s CSR activities beyond conventional community development.
CSR Initiatives Reach 3.56 Crore People
According to CIL, its CSR initiatives have touched an estimated 3.56 crore people, directly and indirectly.
The programmes have placed significant emphasis on vulnerable and underserved groups, including:
- SC/ST communities
- Women
- Persons with disabilities
- Communities in mining-affected areas
CIL’s CSR interventions also contribute to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
Stronger Monitoring and Outcome-Based CSR Framework
CIL has developed a structured approach to planning, implementing and monitoring its CSR projects.
The company’s CSR framework includes:
- Annual Action Plans based on community needs
- MoUs with defined deliverables and timelines
- Phase-wise release of funds linked to project milestones
- Utilisation Certificates
- Third-party Impact Assessments for larger projects
- Internal and statutory audits
- CAG oversight
The output-outcome methodology is intended to ensure that CSR spending translates into measurable and sustainable benefits for communities.
Ministry of Coal Launches Sector-Wide CSR Framework
The CSR framework for the coal sector has also received a broader institutional push.
On September 8, the Ministry of Coal became the first Ministry of the Government of India to launch a sector-wide CSR framework.
The framework is aimed at bringing greater consistency, convergence and accountability to CSR initiatives undertaken by coal sector public sector enterprises.
For CIL, which operates across several coal-bearing states and has a large community footprint, the sector-wide framework is expected to further strengthen coordination and monitoring of CSR activities.
From Welfare Spending to Inclusive Growth
Coal India’s CSR journey reflects a shift from relatively localised community welfare activities to a larger and more structured model of inclusive development.
The company’s growing expenditure, expansion of healthcare and education infrastructure, livelihood initiatives and focus on measurable outcomes indicate a broader approach to community development.
With annual CSR spending now approaching ₹1,000 crore and cumulative expenditure of ₹7,276 crore since FY 2014-15, CIL’s CSR programme has evolved into a significant component of its engagement with communities around its operations.
About Coal India Limited
Coal India Limited (CIL) is a Maharatna public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Coal and is one of the world’s largest coal-producing companies. Through its subsidiaries and mining operations across coal-bearing states, CIL contributes to India’s energy supply while undertaking community development, environmental and CSR initiatives in and around its operational areas.
Read also: Coal India Accelerates Shift From Conventional to Smart Mining With AI, IoT and Advanced Technology
