Coal India’s high power/joint committee visits SECL

The High Power / Joint Committee of Coal India Limited visited South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) on 07 May 2025. During the visit, the committee held its second official meeting at SECL’s Gevra Area. Representing the management side were Keshav Rao, Director (HR), MCL (via VC), Manish Kumar, Director (HR), NCL, Mohd. Anzar Alam, Director (Finance), ECL, and Chandrashekhar Tiwari, Director (Technical-Operations), CCL. On behalf of trade unions, the meeting was attended by Ranjan Behra (BMS), Shiv Kant Pandey (HMS), Naresh Mandal (AITUC), and Manas Chatterjee (CITU). A comprehensive presentation was made during the meeting highlighting the facilities provided to contractual workers, legal compliances, and various welfare initiatives undertaken for their benefit. The committee emphasized the importance of safeguarding the interests of contract workers and ensuring they receive appropriate amenities, with both management and union representatives actively sharing their views. Following the meeting, committee members visited Gevra—home to the world’s second-largest coal mine. The team first received an overview of the mine from a designated viewpoint, and then proceeded to inspect ongoing mining operations inside the mine face. During the visit, the committee held direct interactions with contractual workers inside the mine to understand their wages and available facilities. The team later visited the contractor workers’ camp in Dipka Area and also toured a Miyawaki-style plantation site developed in Gevra. On this occasion, SECL Director (HR) Biranchi Das reiterated the company’s commitment to the welfare of contractual workers, acknowledging their vital contribution in meeting the country’s energy needs. He assured that SECL is continuously working to protect their interests and improve their working conditions. The committee was warmly welcomed upon arrival by S K Mohanty, General Manager, Gevra Area, and Sanjay Mishra, General Manager, Dipka Area.