Coal Ministry Gazettes SECL’s NEET Coaching CSR Initiative

NEW DELHI — In a significant development for the public sector’s social welfare efforts, the Ministry of Coal has officially notified the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), known as "SECL Ke Sushrut." The Gazette notification, issued this week, enables voluntary Aadhaar authentication for beneficiaries, marking a milestone in the governance of CSR projects within the Coal Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) sector.

Launched in 2023, the flagship program provides free, high-quality residential NEET coaching to meritorious students hailing from the company’s operational regions in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. By bringing the scheme under the formal purview of a Gazette notification and linking it with Aadhaar-based authentication, the ministry aims to ensure more targeted, transparent, and efficient delivery of educational benefits.

Strengthening the Institutional Framework

The transition to a formal Gazette-notified scheme is designed to bolster the institutional framework of SECL’s CSR activities. According to company officials, this move will facilitate the scaling of similar projects in healthcare, education, and sustainable livelihoods.

The initiative has already demonstrated exceptional results. In its inaugural 2023–24 batch, 39 out of 40 enrolled students successfully cleared the NEET cut-off, with many securing admissions to prestigious government medical and dental colleges across the two states. This high success rate underscored the need for a more robust governance structure to manage the program's expansion.

Aligning with Technology-Enabled Governance

SECL Ke Sushrut holds the distinction of being the first CSR scheme among any Coal PSU to be listed on the Government of India’s Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) portal. The recent Gazette notification further aligns the program with the government’s vision of technology-led service delivery, allowing for seamless verification while offering beneficiaries the flexibility to use alternative government-approved identification if they opt against Aadhaar authentication.

Official Sources

• Ministry of Coal: Issued the Gazette Notification for the scheme under the provisions of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016.

• South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL): The Coal India subsidiary that developed and executes the ‘SECL Ke Sushrut’ program.

• Harish Duhan, CMD, SECL: Stated that the notification is a landmark recognition of the initiative, which transforms aspirations into opportunities for coalfield communities.

Quote Section

"Gazette Notification of SECL Ke Sushrut is a landmark recognition of a CSR initiative that is transforming aspirations into opportunities for youth from coalfield communities. It reinforces our commitment to delivering impactful, transparent and inclusive development in line with the vision of Government of India," said SECL Chairman-cum-Managing Director Harish Duhan.

Why It Matters

For students in remote coal-belt villages, this initiative serves as a critical bridge between limited economic means and the competitive requirements of professional medical education. By formalizing the scheme, the government ensures:

• Accountability: Greater oversight of CSR funds and student selection.

• Scalability: A proven model that can be replicated or expanded by other PSUs.

• Inclusivity: Standardized reservation policies (14% SC, 23% ST, 13% OBC) ensure equitable access for marginalized communities.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Program Name: SECL Ke Sushrut.

• Launch Year: 2023.

• Success Rate: 98% pass rate in the 2024 NEET exam (39 of 40 students cleared the cut-off).

• Governance: First Coal PSU CSR scheme to be listed on the DBT portal and now the first to receive Gazette notification.

• Eligibility: Students must be domiciled in MP or Chhattisgarh and reside/study within 25 km of SECL establishments.

FAQ

What is the 'SECL Ke Sushrut' initiative?

It is a CSR program by SECL that provides free residential NEET coaching, including boarding and lodging, to meritorious students from economically disadvantaged families in coal-belt regions.

How does the Gazette notification help students?

It formalizes the scheme, ensuring long-term institutional support and enabling transparent benefit delivery through Aadhaar-enabled authentication.

Who is eligible to apply for this coaching?

Applicants must have passed Class 12 with at least 60% marks, be residents of MP or Chhattisgarh, and have a family income not exceeding ₹8 lakh per annum.

Source: Ministry of Coal (PIB), The Economic Times, The Pioneer