Team News Riveting
Kolkata, December 15
West Bengal Governor Dr C V Ananda Bose on Sunday inaugurated the 3rd CIL CSR Conclave 2024 in Kolkata.
Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Government of India and P M Prasad, Chairman of Coal India Limited (CIL) along with other dignitaries also attended the Conclave.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Bose expressed pleasure in attending the CSR conclave and described it as a distinguished and purposeful event. He emphasized the power of CSR initiatives to transform the lives of communities, particularly in the tribal belts of coal-bearing areas.
He also commended CIL for funding cancer patient support initiatives and emphasized that such efforts not only uplift communities but also contribute to the holistic development of the Nation.
The Secretary, Ministry of Coal, commended coal companies for their exceptional CSR efforts. He emphasized that projects launched over the past decade have touched and transformed the lives of people in coal-bearing areas.
Dutt underlined that CSR is not just a regulatory obligation but a moral responsibility to drive positive societal change, urging companies to embrace it as an article of faith.
He highlighted that communities residing in coal-bearing areas are equal stakeholders in the activities of coal companies. By investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, coal companies can take their CSR initiatives to the next level. He also suggested creating a theme-based calendar for the coming year, starting with education and adding other themes subsequently.
Dutt further encouraged coal subsidiaries to foster start-ups in coal-bearing regions and contribute to research and development. He emphasized the importance of CSR projects focused on women’s welfare and empowerment.
P M Prasad, Chairman of Coal India Limited (CIL), in his welcome address, emphasized CIL and its subsidiaries’ unwavering commitment to CSR activities. He highlighted that CIL has invested Rs. 5,570 crore in CSR projects over the past 10 years, focusing on key areas such as education, healthcare, skill development, sports, and women empowerment.
Prasad also noted that CIL is among the top three Maharatna companies in CSR expenditure and outlined the flagship programmes undertaken by CIL and its subsidiaries.
