Coal Ministry Holds Talks On Sector-Specific CSR Framework
COAL & MINING

Coal Ministry Holds Talks On Sector-Specific CSR Framework

The Ministry of Coal organised a stakeholders’ consultation in New Delhi to deliberate on developing a sector-specific Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) framework for Indian coal companies. The meeting, held at the SCOPE Complex, brought together senior officers from the Ministry and representatives from Coal India Limited, NLC India Limited, Singareni Collieries Company Limited, and several private sector coal firms.
CSR policies for coal Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) are currently governed by the Companies Act, 2013, the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014, and the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) guidelines. Over the years, coal PSUs have made notable contributions in areas such as health, education, sanitation, environment, and sports. However, with the expanding participation of private players, the need has emerged for a dedicated CSR framework to guide responsible, inclusive, and sustainable practices across both public and private coal companies.
Addressing participants, Ms Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal, urged companies to align their CSR, welfare, and sustainability efforts to create measurable community impact while earning green credits. She emphasised that CSR initiatives must prioritise local needs, ensuring that development projects reflect the aspirations of communities directly affected by coal operations.
Ms Brar also underscored the importance of engaging credible third-party agencies to conduct need and impact assessments, which would provide data-driven insights for improving project effectiveness. She encouraged collaboration among coal companies to share best practices, resources, and knowledge. Additionally, she advised strengthening public outreach to raise awareness about the positive work being carried out under CSR initiatives.
Participants from both public and private sectors welcomed the initiative and contributed valuable insights on framework design. They shared experiences from major CSR projects, discussed community engagement challenges, and highlighted lessons learned from impact assessments. A shared view emerged that community benefit should remain the core objective, with a focus on meaningful and ongoing engagement with local populations.
The discussion also highlighted the need for integrating transparency, accountability, and alignment with sustainability frameworks such as BRSR (Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting), GRI (Global Reporting Initiative), and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Participants proposed convergence of CSR efforts with relevant government schemes to enhance efficiency and impact.
Stakeholders further suggested introducing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for CSR budget formulation, ensuring the sustainability of created assets, and developing a strong outreach strategy to amplify CSR visibility.
The consultation was described as a constructive and collaborative exercise, marking a significant step towards framing a unified CSR policy for the coal sector. The Ministry noted that the insights gathered would guide the formulation of a comprehensive, transparent, and community-focused CSR framework to promote sustainable development and social responsibility in the industry.

The Ministry of Coal organised a stakeholders’ consultation in New Delhi to deliberate on developing a sector-specific Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) framework for Indian coal companies. The meeting, held at the SCOPE Complex, brought together senior officers from the Ministry and representatives from Coal India Limited, NLC India Limited, Singareni Collieries Company Limited, and several private sector coal firms.CSR policies for coal Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) are currently governed by the Companies Act, 2013, the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014, and the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) guidelines. Over the years, coal PSUs have made notable contributions in areas such as health, education, sanitation, environment, and sports. However, with the expanding participation of private players, the need has emerged for a dedicated CSR framework to guide responsible, inclusive, and sustainable practices across both public and private coal companies.Addressing participants, Ms Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal, urged companies to align their CSR, welfare, and sustainability efforts to create measurable community impact while earning green credits. She emphasised that CSR initiatives must prioritise local needs, ensuring that development projects reflect the aspirations of communities directly affected by coal operations.Ms Brar also underscored the importance of engaging credible third-party agencies to conduct need and impact assessments, which would provide data-driven insights for improving project effectiveness. She encouraged collaboration among coal companies to share best practices, resources, and knowledge. Additionally, she advised strengthening public outreach to raise awareness about the positive work being carried out under CSR initiatives.Participants from both public and private sectors welcomed the initiative and contributed valuable insights on framework design. They shared experiences from major CSR projects, discussed community engagement challenges, and highlighted lessons learned from impact assessments. A shared view emerged that community benefit should remain the core objective, with a focus on meaningful and ongoing engagement with local populations.The discussion also highlighted the need for integrating transparency, accountability, and alignment with sustainability frameworks such as BRSR (Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting), GRI (Global Reporting Initiative), and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Participants proposed convergence of CSR efforts with relevant government schemes to enhance efficiency and impact.Stakeholders further suggested introducing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for CSR budget formulation, ensuring the sustainability of created assets, and developing a strong outreach strategy to amplify CSR visibility.The consultation was described as a constructive and collaborative exercise, marking a significant step towards framing a unified CSR policy for the coal sector. The Ministry noted that the insights gathered would guide the formulation of a comprehensive, transparent, and community-focused CSR framework to promote sustainable development and social responsibility in the industry.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Designing Tomorrow: Amaravati’s Net Zero Landmark

Amaravati has achieved a defining landmark in India’s sustainable infrastructure journey with the inauguration of the APCRDA Project Office, the nation’s first government building to earn the IGBC Net Zero Energy Rating – Design Stage. Conceptualised by the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) and certified by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), the project exemplifies how governance, design and innovation can converge to deliver measurable environmental impact.A vision rooted in sustainabilitySet within a 4.3-acre site along the Seed Access Road in the Amar..

Next Story
Real Estate

Pidilite Elevates Construction with PPS

Pidilite Industries introduced Pidilite Professional Solutions (PPS) — a dedicated vertical for the construction and interiors ecosystem — at ACETECH Bengaluru 2025. Designed to empower architects, developers, contractors, and interior specialists, PPS delivers comprehensive support that extends far beyond products to ensure project excellence from concept to completion. Kavinder Singh, Joint Managing Director, Pidilite Industries, noted, “At Pidilite, we believe in enabling the construction fraternity to build boldly and sustainably. With Pidilite Professional Solutions (PPS),..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Punjab, Centre Fast-Track Rajpura-Mohali Rail Line Development

The central government has fast-tracked the construction of the Rajpura-Mohali rail line to enhance connectivity in Punjab. This ambitious infrastructure project, aimed at improving transportation links between Rajpura and Mohali, has been identified as a key step in fostering regional economic growth. Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced the project’s acceleration during a recent assessment of the area. The rail line is expected to play a significant role in reducing travel time, promoting industrial growth, and boosting logistics efficiency in the region. The project,..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?