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Coal India celebrates the conferment of Maharatna status
May 22, 2011
Coal India Limited celebrated the conferment of the coveted Maharatna status by way of a formal function held on 22 May 2011 at Science City Auditorium, Kolkata. Though the Maharatna status was bestowed on 11 April 2011, due to restrictions imposed in view of the state elections in West Bengal the joyous occasion was observed in May. It may be recalled that CIL is only the 5th PSU in the country, of a total of 217 Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), to have been conferred with this status. The objective of Maha Ratna is to delegate enhanced powers to the Boards of the identified large CPSEs to facilitate expansion of their operations both in domestic as well as global markets.
The presence of Shri Sriprakash Jaiswal, Hon’ble Minister of Coal in the function further enlivened the event. The presence of Shri C Balakrishnan, Secretary to Government of India, Ministry of Coal; Shri Aloke Perti, Special Secretary (Coal); Shri Kalyan Bandyopadhyaya, Hon’ble MP and Chairman of Consultative Committee on Steel & Coal provided an added touch of grace and solemnity to the occasion.
Significantly, the presence of past Chairmen and Directors of the company was a reminder of their contributions and a process set into motion by these distinguished officials, which culminated in Maharatna status being conferred to Coal India Limited.
Speaking on the occasion the Hon’ble Minister acknowledged the efforts of employees, of CIL as well as subsidiary companies, whose efforts resulted in the company attaining the highest recognition that a CPSE could aspire for. He specifically pointed out the important contribution made by coal miners and stated that their safety and welfare should be a priority concern. He stated that the growth of other major industries of the country is directly linked to the growth of coal industry. The Hon’ble Minister also informed, much to the delight of all those present that the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India speaks of significance of coal industry in India.
Employees of CIL along with their families participated in the celebrations. The evening was made livelier by a musical programme by Shri Kailash Kher, the well known singer, and his troupe.
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