New Delhi: In a key leadership development in India’s coal sector, Ramesh Chandra Mohapatra has been selected for appointment as Director (Technical) of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL). The selection was made during a meeting of the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) held on May 2, 2025.
Currently serving as the General Manager of the Jhanjra Area at Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), Mohapatra’s elevation to the Board-level role marks a significant milestone in a career spanning nearly 35 years in the coal industry. His appointment will be finalized following vigilance clearance and approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
Seasoned Leader with Proven Expertise
Mohapatra began his career in July 1990 with Coal India Limited and has since served in various capacities, earning a reputation for technical excellence and leadership in mine operations. An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, he brings with him robust academic credentials and field expertise.
In his new role as Director (Technical), Mohapatra will be part of the SECL Board of Directors and will report directly to the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD). He will be responsible for the overall operations of mines, field activities, technical functions, and ensuring the safety of mining operations – a critical responsibility in one of India’s largest coal-producing subsidiaries.
Competitive Selection from a Strong Pool
Mohapatra was chosen from a competitive pool of 10 senior professionals who were interviewed by the PESB. The candidates represented a wide array of organizations within the coal and mining sector, reflecting the depth of leadership available across India’s public enterprises. The shortlisted candidates included:
- Ashutosh Dwivedi, Executive Director (Safety & Rescue), Coal India Limited
- Chiranjib Patra, Executive Director (Corporate Affairs & Business Development), Coal India Limited
- Palle Buchi Reddy, General Manager, Basundhara Area, Mahanadi Coalfields Limited
- Amitanjan Nandi, Executive Director (Mining), Damodar Valley Corporation
- Ramesh Chandra Mohapatra, General Manager, Jhanjra Area, Eastern Coalfields Limited
- Rajeev Singh, General Manager (Contract Management Cell), Northern Coalfields Limited
- Kripa Shankar Singh, General Manager, Mahanadi Coalfields Limited
- Rajeev Kumar Sinha, General Manager, TS to CMD, CMD Sectt., Bharat Coking Coal Limited
- S Rajmohan, Executive Director, Coal Coordination, NLC India Limited
- Buddha Priya Mahudwale, Deputy General Manager (Mining), NMDC Limited
Mohapatra’s selection from this high-caliber pool underscores his vast experience and leadership potential in technical and operational aspects of the coal industry.
Looking Ahead
With SECL playing a pivotal role in India’s energy security, the appointment of a seasoned technocrat like Mohapatra is expected to further strengthen the company’s operational efficiency, safety standards, and production capabilities.
Industry observers view this appointment as a strategic step toward reinforcing technical leadership in the public coal sector, especially at a time when India is focusing on boosting domestic coal production while maintaining stringent safety and sustainability norms.
About SECL
SECL, headquartered in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, is a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL) and stands as one of the largest coal-producing companies in India. With 67 operational blocks, SECL plays a pivotal role in the nation’s energy sector, contributing significantly to coal production and dispatch.
Coal India Limited, established in 1975 and headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal, is the world’s largest government-owned coal producer. Operating under the Ministry of Coal, Government of India, CIL plays a pivotal role in meeting the country’s energy needs.
