What New Initiatives Did Coal Minister Kishan Reddy Unveil for the Coal India Workforce?

New Delhi, Sep 16 (NationPress) Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy unveiled an innovative uniform, a comprehensive corporate salary package (CSP), and augmented ex-gratia benefits for the workforce of Coal India.

The Corporate Salary Package, launched under the mantra "Suraksha Har Karmchaari Ki – United in Security, Empowered for the Future," signifies a substantial enhancement in the financial well-being of Coal India's workforce.

This progressive financial initiative aims to deliver modern, secure, and convenient banking solutions to all coal workers and their families.

With 2.15 lakh regular employees and 44,000 contract workers already part of the program, the package includes Rs 1 crore personal accident insurance for regular employees and Rs 40 lakh for contract workers.

It has been rolled out through Memorandums of Understanding with ten leading public sector banks along with the Chhattisgarh State Gramin Bank to ensure wide accessibility and effective delivery of benefits.

This welfare-focused program does not require employees to pay any premiums, with benefits provided directly through partner banks.

Additionally, the new uniform was introduced to cultivate a culture of safety, professionalism, and a collective identity among Coal India workers.

From field projects and administrative offices to underground and open-pit mines, the uniform symbolizes the unity, pride, and dignity of the Coal India family, reinforcing a sense of belonging among employees.

Supervised by the Ministry of Coal, these initiatives have been meticulously crafted with a strong emphasis on enhancing the dignity, safety, and welfare of coal workers.

Together, they form a holistic strategy to strengthen employee identity, improve financial security, and bolster social protection at all levels, from underground and open-cast mines to administrative offices, reaffirming Coal India’s commitment to inclusive growth and workforce-centric policies.

These initiatives are in alignment with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of prioritizing “Workers First” and “Workers’ Welfare.”

As part of its “We Care” initiative, Coal India has raised the ex gratia amount payable in the unfortunate event of mine accident fatalities from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 25 lakh.

This increased compensation applies equally to both regular employees and contract workers and will be directly disbursed to the families of the deceased, ensuring timely and transparent support.

While "Zero Harm" remains the core mission, the enhanced ex gratia demonstrates Coal India’s commitment to responding swiftly and compassionately in times of loss, standing firmly by affected families.