Coal India Limited (CIL) has consistently exceeded its statutory Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations, spending Rs. 7,276 crore against the mandated Rs. 5,795 crore between FY 2014-15 and FY 2025-26. The annual CSR outlay, which was once around Rs. 500 crore, has steadily increased to nearly Rs. 1,000 crore, placing CIL among the country’s major corporate CSR spenders.
CIL spends at least 80 per cent of its annual CSR allocation within a 25-km radius of its mines and establishments, with priority given to Project Affected Areas. The remaining allocation is directed towards state and national initiatives. Reflecting this local-area focus, more than 90 per cent of CIL’s CSR expenditure is incurred in coal-bearing states, ensuring that the benefits remain concentrated in regions most directly affected by mining, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Coal.
CSR Aligned with National Priorities
The expansion in CSR spending has been accompanied by a broader focus on nationally significant priorities. CIL was the largest CPSE contributor to the Swachh Vidyalaya Abhiyan, completing more than 50,000 toilets in government schools. It was also among the early major contributors to the PM-CARES Fund and undertook extensive COVID-19 relief measures, including dedicated hospitals in Odisha and Chhattisgarh and oxygen plants established under “Mission Praana Vayu”.
Flagship Initiatives Strengthen Health, Education and Opportunity
CIL’s flagship CSR initiatives have created a distinct footprint across education and healthcare. The NIRMAN scheme has supported more than 1,300 UPSC aspirants from mining districts, while the Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana has enabled more than 1,000 life-saving bone marrow transplants.
Under “Nanha Sa Dil”, more than two lakh children have been screened and over 1,700 children with congenital heart disease have been treated. CIL’s Scholarship Schemes have reached more than 2,500 children.
The company has also invested in major healthcare and education infrastructure. A 500-bed medical college and hospital at Angul and a cardiac care centre at Jharsuguda, together costing Rs. 596 crore, now serve as tertiary-care hubs for their respective regions. Under Digital Vidya, more than 2,300 smart classrooms and 500 ICT/STEM labs have been commissioned in government schools, while a 5,000-seater state library is under construction in Ranchi.
Skilling, Sports and Community Development Expand the Reach
CIL’s CSR initiatives extend beyond health and education to skilling, livelihoods and community development. Programmes including Project PRAGATI, tribal women’s poultry support, and plastic engineering and multi-skill training have benefited more than 48,000 people over the last four financial years alone.
The Khelgaon Sports Academy, operated in partnership with the Government of Jharkhand, has produced more than 1,800 medals, including 15 at the international level. CIL’s CSR interventions have also supported landmark public-interest projects, including the centenary building at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and the illumination of Kolkata’s Howrah Bridge, extending its CSR footprint to premier institutions and nationally recognised landmarks.
CSR Impact Reaches 3.56 Crore Lives
Taken together, CIL’s CSR initiatives are estimated to have touched 3.56 crore lives, directly and indirectly. Vulnerable groups, including SC/ST communities, persons with disabilities and women, constitute a significant share of the beneficiaries.
The initiatives also contribute to India’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG-3 on good health and well-being, SDG-4 on quality education, SDG-5 on gender equality, SDG-6 on clean water and sanitation, and SDG-1 on poverty alleviation.
-PIB Inputs
