The Ministry of Coal organized a key stakeholder consultation at SCOPE Complex, New Delhi, where senior officials from Coal India Limited, NLC India Limited, Singareni Collieries Company Limited, and major private sector coal firms deliberated on the formulation of a sector-specific Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) framework for coal companies. The move aims to address the evolving landscape, particularly the growing role of private players, and to develop a unified guide for responsible, sustainable CSR practices in the coal sector.
Focus of Consultation and Current Policy
Coal PSUs currently align their CSR policies with the Companies Act, CSR Policy Rules, and Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) guidelines. Historically, coal firms have led initiatives in health, education, environment, sanitation, and sports. The discussion centered on adapting these policies for a sector-specific framework, stressing sustainability, environmental stewardship, and enhanced stakeholder engagement.
Key Recommendations and Action Points
Additional Secretary Rupinder Brar urged coal companies to converge their CSR, welfare, and sustainability efforts for community benefit and business objectives, quantifying impact to earn green credits. The session emphasized:
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Prioritizing local community needs in CSR planning
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Collaborating with credible agencies for needs and impact assessments
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Sharing best practices and resources across firms
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Strengthening outreach and transparency to raise awareness
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Alignment with reporting standards (BRSR, GRI, SDGs)
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SOPs for budgeting and asset sustainability, supporting long-term maintenance of CSR-built infrastructure
Framework Goals and Sector Impact
Stakeholders highlighted community benefit as the ultimate objective, with meaningful engagement to address real needs and priorities. The framework seeks to integrate government schemes, foster partnerships for robust impact delivery, and systematize transparency, accountability, and sustainability reporting across public and private coal entities.
Conclusion: Ministry Of Coal
The consultation marked a significant step towards a robust, impactful CSR framework for Indian coal companies. Insights gathered will inform a sector-aligned policy promoting sustainability, community welfare, and responsible business practice across India’s coal sector.
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Source: PIB
