Kolkata: In a significant step towards women’s empowerment and socio-economic development, Coal India Limited (CIL), under the Ministry of Coal, hosted a day-long Kantha Fair at its headquarters in New Town, Kolkata. The event highlighted the intricate craftsmanship of 200-250 women artisans from West Bengal, who have benefited from the Kantha Skill Centre, a part of CIL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
The fair was a testament to CIL’s broader mission of empowering women by promoting self-reliance through skill development and entrepreneurship. In addition to the Kantha Fair, CIL and its subsidiaries celebrated women’s contributions through various events across different regions and offices.
WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATIONS AT COAL INDIA
— Coal India Limited (@CoalIndiaHQ) March 7, 2025
A series of events were organized at our corporate office as part of the International Women’s Day 2025 celebrations. A ‘Kantha Fair’ was organized to celebrate rural women artisans, providing them with a platform to showcase their… pic.twitter.com/HPMEw3Cbp9
Central Coalfields Ltd (CCL), based in Ranchi, Jharkhand, led the way with a mega event showcasing tribal art, women-led businesses, and technical skills. Other subsidiaries such as Bharat Coking Coal Ltd (BCCL), Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Ltd (CMPDIL), Eastern Coalfields Ltd (ECL), Northern Coalfields Ltd (NCL), South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL), Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL), and Western Coalfields Ltd (WCL) also conducted programs aligned with the theme of women empowerment.
The event was addressed virtually by Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, and Dr. Vinay Ranjan, Director (Personnel & Industrial Relations) at CIL. Smt. Brar emphasized the initiative’s alignment with CIL’s mission to foster sustainable livelihoods and positively impact communities through meaningful CSR programs. Dr. Ranjan highlighted CIL’s ongoing efforts to empower marginalized communities while preserving India’s rich artistic heritage.
The Kantha Fair was inaugurated by Dr. Vinay Ranjan, along with Director (Finance) Mukesh Agrawal and Chief Vigilance Officer Brajesh Kumar Tripathy, in the presence of participating women artisans. During the fair, three artisans were felicitated for their outstanding work. Senior officials, including OP Mishra, Executive Director (CD), and Renu Chaturvedi, GM (CSR), were also in attendance.
This initiative underscores CIL’s commitment to empowering women, fostering socio-economic development, and preserving traditional craftsmanship through its CSR initiatives.
