The Ministry of Coal has held a consultation in New Delhi to develop a sector-specific Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) framework for Indian coal companies. The consultation, held at the SCOPE Complex, involved senior officers from the Ministry, representatives from Coal India Limited, NLC India Limited, Singareni Collieries Company Limited, and several private sector coal firms. The CSR aims to guide responsible, inclusive, and sustainable practices across both public and private coal companies. The consultation emphasized the need for companies to align their CSR, welfare, and sustainability efforts to create measurable community impact while.
Earning green credits The consultation was a constructive and collaborative exercise, marking a significant step towards framing a unified CSR policy for the coal sector In a significant move towards fostering responsible and sustainable practices within India’s coal sector, the Ministry of Coal organized a stakeholders’ consultation at the SCOPE Complex in New Delhi. This gathering aimed to deliberate upon the development of a dedicated Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) framework tailored specifically for Indian coal companies. The consultation saw active participation from senior officials of the Ministry of Coal, along with representatives from Coal India Limited, NLC.
The Need for a Sector-Specific CSR Framework
India Limited, Singareni Collieries Company Limited, and various private sector coal enterprises Historically, CSR policies for Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in the coal sector have been formulated within the policy directives provided under the Companies Act, 2013, the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014, and guidelines from the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE). Over the years, coal PSUs have undertaken commendable initiatives in areas such as health, education, environment, sanitation, and sports However, with the growing presence of private players in the sector, the need for a sector-specific CSR has become evident. Such a would serve as a guide to promote.
Responsible and sustainable practices, reduce environmental impact, and enhance stakeholder engagement among both private and public sector coal companies Addressing the participants, Ms. Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal, emphasized the importance of formulating a dedicated CSR framework for the coal sector. She highlighted the need to prioritize local needs while planning CSR initiatives. Ms. Brar urged coal companies to converge their CSR, welfare, and sustainability efforts for the benefit of the community and also for business by quantifying these efforts to earn green credits.
The proposed framework aims to achieve several objectives
- Prioritizing Local Needs: Ensuring that CSR initiatives are aligned with the specific needs and aspirations of communities directly affected by coal operations.
- Engaging Credible Agencies for Assessments: Utilizing credible third-party agencies to conduct need and impact assessments, providing in-depth analysis and functional insights for effective CSR activities.
- Promoting Collaboration Among Coal Companies: Encouraging coal companies to collaborate and share knowledge and resources, enhancing the overall impact of CSR initiatives.
- Integrating Best Practices: Incorporating best practices and ensuring transparency and accountability in CSR implementation and reporting.
The consultation proved to be a fruitful exercise, yielding valuable insights into the formulation of the CSR framework. Stakeholders highlighted the need for Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for budget formulation, ensuring the sustainability of created assets, a dedicated approach from implementing agencies, and an effective outreach strategy to strengthen CSR activities. These elements are essential in creating a robust and impactful CSR framework for coal companies The implementation of a sector-specific CSR framework is expected to lead to more coherent and impactful CSR activities across the coal industry. By standardizing approaches and emphasizing local.
Community engagement, the framework aims to enhance the social license to operate for coal companies. Moreover, aligning CSR initiatives with sustainability reporting standards will improve transparency and accountability, fostering greater trust among stakeholders and the public The Ministry of (Coal’s) initiative to develop a dedicated CSR framework for the coal sector represents a proactive approach to integrating social responsibility into the industry’s core operations. By focusing on community needs, promoting collaboration, and adhering to global sustainability standards, the framework aims to foster a more responsible and sustainable coal industry in India.
