In a landmark initiative for gender diversity and women’s empowerment in the mining sector, Coal India Limited (CIL) today inaugurated its first-ever all-women operated Central Store Unit at the South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) mine in Korba, Chhattisgarh.
The newly inaugurated unit will be entirely managed and operated by a team of women employees, who will be responsible for the end-to-end storekeeping operations. This includes the crucial tasks of inventory management, procurement, dispatch, and maintenance of vital equipment and spares essential for mining operations.
Chairman of Coal India Limited, stated, “This is a proud and transformative moment for Coal India. The inauguration of this unit is not just about operational efficiency; it is a powerful symbol of our commitment to ‘Nari Shakti’ and breaking stereotypes in the core industrial sector. These women are pioneers, and their success will pave the way for more such initiatives across our subsidiaries.”
The initiative, a key part of SECL’s ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) commitments, aims to create more inclusive and diverse workplaces within the traditionally male-dominated coal mining industry.
One of the Female team members at the new unit shared her enthusiasm, saying, “This is an incredible opportunity for us to demonstrate our capabilities in a critical operational area. We are proud to be setting a new precedent and showing that women can excel in every facet of the mining ecosystem.”
The establishment of this all-women Central Store Unit represents another milestone in Coal India’s journey towards gender-inclusive and self-reliant industrial operations, embodying the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat.