New Delhi – Western Coalfields Limited (WCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, bid an emotional farewell to its Director Technical (Operations), A.K. Singh, on July 31, 2025, marking the conclusion of an illustrious career spanning over three decades.
A formal farewell ceremony was held at the WCL Headquarters’ Welfare Hall, where colleagues, senior officials, and employees gathered in large numbers to honour Mr. Singh’s contributions to the coal industry and the organization.
Commitment, Discipline and Technological Foresight
In his farewell address, Mr. A.K. Singh expressed gratitude for the cooperation he received throughout his journey in Coal India. Reflecting on the evolution of the coal sector, he emphasized the importance of goal-driven dedication, discipline, and punctuality, calling them the core mantras of success.
WCL CMD Mr. J.P. Dwivedi praised Mr. Singh’s modesty, sociability, and strategic leadership. “His use of modern technology, quick decision-making, and logical interventions in crucial meetings helped WCL maintain leadership in coal production, overburden removal (OBR), and coal dispatch,” he said.
Leadership Transition: Mr. Anandji Prasad Takes Additional Charge
With Mr. Singh’s retirement, Mr. Anandji Prasad, Director Technical (Planning & Projects), has assumed additional charge of Director Technical (Operations) as of August 1, 2025.
Mr. Prasad, who has been serving as Director Technical (Planning & Projects) since January 21, 2025, brings with him over 36 years of experience in the coal mining industry. A graduate in Mining Engineering from IIT Kharagpur (1989), he began his career at Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Limited (CMPDI), another Coal India subsidiary.
Over the years, Mr. Prasad has played a pivotal role in mine planning, design, operations, and the development of key policy frameworks and vision documents for Coal India and the Ministry of Coal.
A Gathering of Dignitaries and Emotions
The event was attended by several WCL dignitaries, including:
- Mr. Bikram Ghosh, Director (Finance)
- Dr. Hemant Sharad Pandey, Director (HR)
- Mr. Ajay Madhukar Mhetre, Chief Vigilance Officer
- Abha Dwivedi, President, Jhankar Mahila Mandal
- Indu Singh and Reena Pandey, Vice Presidents of the Mandal
Their presence, along with a large number of WCL officers and employees, highlighted the admiration and respect Mr. Singh commands within the organization.
Looking Ahead
With Mr. Anandji Prasad at the helm of both Planning & Projects and Technical Operations, WCL is poised to continue its trajectory of efficiency, innovation, and growth. The transition marks not only a celebration of Mr. Singh’s career but also the beginning of a new chapter in WCL’s operational leadership.
About WCL
WCL is a Miniratna Cat-1 Public Sector Undertaking and a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL), a “Maharatna” PSU. WCL primarily engages in coal mining and marketing. Its headquarters are located in Nagpur, Maharashtra. WCL was incorporated under the Indian Companies Act, 1956.
