Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy has raised serious concerns about the escalating extravagant expenditure at the state-owned Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), calling for immediate measures to curb unnecessary spending. During his visit to the Padmavati Mine 5-Incline in Kothagudem on Sunday, the minister engaged directly with workers to understand their challenges and grievances.
Transparency and Communication Key to Organizational Health
In a face-to-face interaction with SCCL employees, Minister Reddy emphasized the critical importance of transparent communication. He stressed that all decisions and discussions from the Delhi board meetings must be effectively communicated to the workforce. "If the organization remains in good health, the workers' unions and leadership will naturally become stronger," Reddy stated, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between organizational stability and worker welfare.
Central Government Support and Import Reduction Plans
The Union Minister assured hard-working employees of maximum support from the Central government in protecting the organization. He revealed significant progress in reducing coal imports, noting that last year's imports were reduced by an impressive ₹60,000 crore. Reddy confirmed that Singareni coal would continue to receive priority this year as part of the government's strategy to boost domestic production and reduce dependency on foreign coal.
Livelihoods of Millions at Stake
Minister Kishan Reddy highlighted the enormous social impact of SCCL, pointing out that people from eight districts depend directly on the collieries for their livelihoods. The organization provides employment to millions of families across the region, making its preservation crucial for economic stability. Reddy assured workers that the current unfavorable situation at Singareni would be addressed through comprehensive measures.
Quality Enhancement and Safety Priorities
The minister recommended specific improvements for SCCL's operations, including:
- Enhancing production quality through modern techniques
- Implementing necessary action plans for operational efficiency
- Achieving zero accident targets through increased vigilance
- Focusing on coal production increases while maintaining safety standards
Coal's Critical Role in India's Energy Security
Reddy provided crucial context about coal's importance in India's energy landscape, revealing that 74% of the country's electricity is generated from coal. This statistic underscores the strategic significance of organizations like SCCL in maintaining national energy security and supporting economic growth through reliable power generation.
The minister's visit and statements come at a critical juncture for SCCL, which faces both operational challenges and opportunities for transformation. His emphasis on fiscal discipline, worker empowerment, and production quality reflects the government's comprehensive approach to revitalizing the coal sector while ensuring sustainable employment for millions of dependent families.
