South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a Chhattisgarh-based subsidiary of Coal India under Ministry of Coal, Govt. of India, has approved ₹170 Crores for various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects in FY 24-25. These initiatives will significantly boost health, education and skill development infrastructure in the coalfields regions.
This allocation surpasses SECL’s statutory CSR budget of ₹99.76 crores for FY 24-25, demonstrating the company’s dedication to community development. These projects will be implemented over the next 2-3 years as per respective agreements.
These projects reflect SECL’s commitment to holistic community development. A key initiative includes a ₹48.19 crore MoU with the National Institute of Technology, Raipur, for the construction of a 500-beded ‘SECL girls’ hostel’, fully funded by SECL. The foundation stone has been laid by Hon’ble Vice- President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar on January 21, 2025 at Raipur, CG. This will provide a safe and comfortable living environment for female students, promoting higher education among women.
Recognizing the critical need for cardiac care, SECL has launched the second phase of its flagship project, “SECL ki Dhadkan” (an extension of Coal India ka Nanha Sa Dil). On February 14, 2025, South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) and Sri Sathya Sai Sanjivani Hospital, Raipur, organized the ‘Gift of Life’ ceremony on World Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) Awareness Day and Coal India Limited’s (CIL) Golden Jubilee celebrations.
The event, chaired by Shri Biranchi Das, Director (Personnel) of SECL, highlighted SECL’s CSR initiative, ‘SECL Ki Dhadkan,’ which has successfully performed 60 surgeries for children with CHD. With an initial assessment revealing 57 CHD cases in Balrampur, CG, SECL approved ₹4.71 Crore to treat next 300 children across Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.
He highlighted that SECL’s aim is to treat every child with Congenital Heart Defects in the state of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. 13 children have already been treated under the 2nd phase of the project. The program ensures that financial barriers do not prevent children from receiving life-saving treatment. The initiative aims to expand to other regions with high CHD cases, making a significant impact on child healthcare in coalfield areas.
SECL’s ‘Digi Vidya’ program has also gained momentum with a tripartite MoU signed between SECL, the Anuppur District Administration and EdCIL India Limited. This ₹13.73 Crore project will equip 84 government higher secondary and high schools in Anuppur district, Madhya Pradesh, with 265 smart classroom solutions and 84 science labs.
In line with the 100-Day Intensified Campaign for TB Elimination, SECL has partnered with RK HIV & AIDS Research and Care Centre, Mumbai, for a ₹3.82 Crore project for TB screenings for 50,000 people and provide medicines and nutrition kits to 300 patients across Chhattisgarh (Bilaspur, Raigarh, Surajpur) and Madhya Pradesh (Anuppur).
SECL is also investing in skill development through a ₹3.12 Crore MoU with Apparel Training & Design Centre (ATDC), Gurugram. This vocational training program will empower 400 underprivileged youth with skills relevant to the apparel and textile industry, creating opportunities for self-employment. The program will include residential and non-residential options for candidates of various SECL operational areas.
Other significant projects approved by SECL include:
- Providing a 3.0 Tesla MRI Machine for Late Bisahu Das Mahant Memorial Medical College, Korba (₹28.08 Crores).
- Financial assistance to the Vidisha District Administration, Madhya Pradesh, for addressing malnutrition and stunting, and screening for anemia and sickle cell anemia (₹30.92 Crores).
- A Multi-Skill Development Institute (MSDI) project in partnership with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to establish a state-of-the-art training center, benefiting 1260 youths in SECL operational areas (₹6.87 Crores).
“These CSR initiatives reflect SECL’s unwavering commitment to the communities we serve. In terms of Healthcare and Education, SECL will strive to reach the unreachable” said Shri Biranchi Das, Director (Personnel), SECL. “We believe in empowering communities through education, healthcare, skill development and these CSR projects are designed to create a positive and lasting impact on the lives of people residing in the coalfield areas.”
