Coal India Limited (CIL), the state-owned mining giant, has reported a significant investment of Rs 5,570 crore in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives over the past decade, according to Chairman P M Prasad. This substantial expenditure, revealed at the 3rd CIL CSR Conclave 2024, underscores the company’s commitment to social development in its operational areas.
CSR of CIL
The CSR efforts have primarily focused on five key sectors including education, healthcare, skill development, sports, and women empowerment. These areas accounted for 71 per cent of the total CSR expenditure, with healthcare alone comprising nearly 50 per cent of the spending at Rs 2,770 crore. The organisation’s statutory obligation for CSR spending in this period was of Rs. 4,265. However, CIL exceeded it by 31 per cent, amount to Rs. 1,314 crore.
West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose, speaking at the conclave, emphasised the transformative power of CSR initiatives, particularly in uplifting tribal communities in coal-bearing regions. He commended CIL’s contributions, including its support for cancer patients, noting that such programs contribute to the holistic development of the nation.
Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt praised coal companies for their impactful CSR projects over the past decade, highlighting the positive impact on coal-bearing regions. He proposed a theme-based CSR calendar to prioritise key areas throughout the year, suggesting education as the focus for January.
The company has strategically allocated 95% of its CSR funds to eight operational states, with a particular emphasis on Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. This targeted approach ensures that communities in coal-bearing regions, which are often economically disadvantaged, receive substantial benefits from CIL’s CSR activities.
As CIL continues to evolve its CSR strategies, it is all set to make an even more significant impact on the lives of millions of people in the years to come, balancing its core mining operations with a strong commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
