Coal India Limited (CIL) has introduced a series of reforms to strengthen post-retirement welfare for its employees, enhancing pension administration, healthcare access, grievance redressal and social security for more than 4.5 lakh retired employees and pensioners.
The initiatives, implemented in collaboration with the Coal Mines Provident Fund Organisation (CMPFO), are aimed at ensuring a smoother and more secure retirement experience while accelerating the digitisation of pension services.
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Pension Claims Now Settled Three Times Faster
One of the key reforms is the digital transformation of pension administration through the C-CARES platform.
According to the Ministry of Coal, the average time taken to settle retirement claims has been reduced from 30 days to just 10 days.
The platform is also being upgraded to support online pension revisions and issuance of revised Pension Payment Orders (PPOs), paving the way for a fully paperless pension management system.
PPOs Issued on Retirement Day
To make retirement hassle-free, the C-CARES portal now facilitates the issuance of Pension Payment Orders and settlement of Coal Mines Provident Fund (CMPF) dues on the day of retirement.
The revised PPO system also incorporates details of eligible spouses, enabling banks to begin family pension payments without requiring separate approvals from CMPFO in routine cases.
Minimum Pension Raised to ₹1,000
As part of its social security measures, the minimum pension under the Coal Mines Pension Scheme was increased to ₹1,000 per month with effect from March 8, 2024.
The enhancement benefits nearly 40,000 pensioners, providing additional financial support to retired mine workers and their families.
Dedicated Cells for Retired Employees
Coal India has established dedicated Post Retirement Benefit Cells (PRBCs) at its headquarters and subsidiary companies.
These cells function as single-window support centres, assisting retirees with pension-related issues, welfare schemes and grievance redressal.
Expanded Cashless Healthcare Network
Healthcare continues to remain a major focus of Coal India’s post-retirement welfare framework.
Around 1.13 lakh retired employees enrolled under the Contributory Post Retirement Medicare Scheme (CPRMS) now have access to cashless treatment at 532 empanelled hospitals across the country.
Under the scheme, retired executives receive medical coverage of up to ₹25 lakh, while retired non-executives are covered up to ₹8 lakh.
Importantly, treatment costs for specified critical illnesses remain outside these financial ceilings, offering enhanced protection during serious medical emergencies.
Higher Pension and Provident Fund Disbursement
The company’s financial commitment towards retirees has also increased significantly during the last financial year.
Provident fund disbursement rose by 19.5 per cent to ₹13,608.8 crore during FY 2025-26, compared to ₹11,391.6 crore in the previous year.
Pension disbursement increased by 22.9 per cent to ₹6,427 crore from ₹5,229.1 crore during the same period.
Together, provident fund and pension payments increased by over ₹3,415 crore, reflecting Coal India’s continued investment in the financial security of its retired workforce.
Focus on Welfare Beyond Service
Apart from financial assistance and healthcare, Coal India continues to extend access to its empanelled holiday homes for retired employees, promoting their well-being and continued engagement after retirement.
The Ministry of Coal said the initiatives reinforce Coal India’s commitment to supporting employees not only during their service but also after retirement, recognising their contribution to India’s energy security.
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