New Delhi: In a significant step towards inclusive development, Coal India Limited (CIL) has partnered with the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) to support students of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs), which are dedicated exclusively to tribal children across India.
The initiative, announced in New Delhi, is aligned with the Government of India’s vision to promote digital literacy, career awareness, health, and well-being among marginalized tribal communities.
Empowering Tribal Youth Through Technology and Guidance
The collaboration will involve the distribution of computers and tablets to tribal students to bridge the digital divide in education. Alongside digital access, CIL and NSTFDC will roll out mentorship programmes aimed at:
- Helping students explore career options
- Encouraging goal setting and personal development
- Supporting mental wellness and emotional resilience
These programmes will also involve industry experts and mental health professionals to ensure well-rounded support.
Read also: Coal India Explores Setting Up Data Centres in Decommissioned Mines to Boost Digital Capacity
Special Focus on Menstrual Health and Dignity
In a commendable move to promote menstrual hygiene and dignity among tribal girls, the partnership includes the installation of sanitary napkin vending machines and incinerators in various EMRSs. This initiative addresses a long-standing need to improve hygiene infrastructure in tribal educational institutions.
MoU Signed in Presence of Union Ministers
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between CIL and NSTFDC during a formal ceremony in New Delhi. The event was graced by top dignitaries:
- Mr G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal & Mines
- Mr Jual Oram, Union Minister of Tribal Affairs
- Ms. Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal
- Mr Manish Thakur, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs
- Mr T. Roumuan Paite, CMD, NSTFDC
- Dr. Vinay Ranjan, Director (HR), Coal India
Senior officials from the Ministry of Coal, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and Coal India were also present at the signing.
Leadership Speaks
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy emphasized the importance of private-public partnerships in empowering tribal youth. Jual Oram praised the initiative as a transformative model that can be replicated across other sectors to boost education and health for tribal communities.
Part of a Broader CSR Vision
This initiative is part of Coal India’s broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy to promote education, health, and digital inclusion. By targeting students of EMRSs, the project supports the Government’s tribal development goals and aligns with national digital literacy and wellness missions.
About NSTFDC
National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) is an apex organization setup exclusively for economic development of Scheduled Tribes. This Corporation was incorporated as a Govt. Company under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) and granted license under Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956 (now Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013). The Corporation plays a leading role in economic up-liftment of Scheduled Tribes by providing financial assistance at concessional rates of interest through its channelizing agencies
About CIL
Coal India Limited (CIL) is an Indian state-owned enterprise and the world’s largest coal producer, established in 1975 to manage nationalized coal mines. Headquartered in Kolkata, it operates through multiple subsidiaries and is responsible for producing coal and managing related facilities across eight Indian states. As a Maharatna company, CIL holds significant strategic importance by supplying the majority of India’s coal and plays a key role in the nation’s energy security and infrastructure.
