The 3rd CIL CSR Conclave 2024 was inaugurated today by Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose, the Governor of West Bengal, in Kolkata. The event witnessed the participation of several distinguished personalities, including Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, Government of India, and Shri P.M. Prasad, Chairman of Coal India Limited (CIL), among other notable dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Dr. Ananda Bose emphasized the transformative potential of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, particularly in the tribal regions of coal-bearing areas. He praised CIL’s efforts in supporting cancer patients and highlighted how such initiatives contribute to the broader socio-economic development of the nation.
Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, lauded coal companies for their impactful CSR projects, which have positively influenced communities in coal-bearing regions over the past decade. Stressing that CSR goes beyond a regulatory mandate, Shri Dutt called it a moral responsibility for driving societal progress.
He urged coal companies to treat communities in coal-bearing areas as equal stakeholders and to focus on education, healthcare, and infrastructure. He proposed creating a theme-based calendar for CSR activities in the upcoming year, beginning with education and gradually expanding to other themes. Additionally, Shri Dutt encouraged coal subsidiaries to support start-ups, promote research and development, and prioritize women’s welfare and empowerment through targeted CSR initiatives.
In his address, Shri P.M. Prasad, Chairman of CIL, reaffirmed the organization’s steadfast dedication to CSR. He shared that CIL has invested ₹5,570 crore in CSR projects over the last decade, focusing on critical sectors such as education, healthcare, skill development, sports, and women empowerment. Shri Prasad highlighted CIL’s position among the top three Maharatna companies in terms of CSR spending and detailed some of the flagship programs led by CIL and its subsidiaries.
The conclave served as a platform for exchanging ideas and reinforcing the role of CSR in fostering sustainable development and improving the quality of life in coal-bearing communities.
