New Delhi, November 2 (IANS). Government-owned company Coal India Limited (CIL) has entered its 50th year of establishment.
The company aims to produce 773.6 MT in FY24, registering an 8.7-fold increase from 89 million tonnes (MT) during 1975-76.
Coal India supplies 80 percent of its entire supply to coal based power plants at highly competitive rates.
Along with this, CIL plays an important role in enabling Indian citizens to get electricity at a reasonable price.
The country’s largest coal company came into existence on November 1, 1975 as the apex holding company of nationalized coking coal (1971) and non-coking mines (1973).
CIL’s employee strength has declined by almost one-third from 6.75 lakh employees in the initial years of nationalization to 2.25 lakh now. However, the company’s production has increased with time.
Congratulating the coal sector giant, Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy said, “Coal India is entering its golden jubilee year and has many achievements to its credit.
I convey my best wishes to the company. Coal in India is yet to reach its full potential. Indigenous production is very important to avoid expensive imports.
Coal India will have to increase production to higher levels in the future while giving equal importance to social responsibility, welfare and safety of the people.”
“This five-decade journey has been very different for CIL,” the Coal Ministry said in a statement.
The company faced many changes, challenges, trials and tribulations, but succeeded in doing everything that was expected of it.
From a pure coal producing company, Coal India is now diversifying into solar energy, mine power plants, coal gasification and critical minerals in the national interest.”
Since 2007, CIL has been formally celebrating its Foundation Day as an internal event.
In this, former chairman or industry expert J.B. Kumaramangalam memorial lecture and presentation of awards to the best performers.
This year also the company will celebrate the event in Kolkata on November 3, in which the Coal Minister will be the chief guest.
—IANS
SKT/CBT
