In a groundbreaking move towards gender inclusivity, Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL) is set to allocate two coal mines—one open cast and one underground—exclusively for women employees. This initiative, announced by SCCL Chairman and Managing Director N Balaram, aims to begin operations next month.
Traditionally, underground mining activities were restricted to men. However, following the example of other sectors like the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and Coal India, SCCL decided it was time to involve women in underground mining. Balaram stated that SCCL has identified 16 locations for women employees and will provide 10 to 12 days of training for those working in underground mines.
The enthusiasm among the women employees is palpable. Currently, women make up 6% of SCCL’s 40,000-strong workforce, up from 2% a decade ago, thanks to a 2019 law allowing women to work in mines. Some women who joined SCCL 30 years ago now hold key departmental positions. With a 33% reservation policy by the Telangana government, women are expected to fill about 200 of the 599 new posts at SCCL.
SCCL operates 17 opencast and 22 underground mines across six districts in Telangana and is jointly owned by the state government and the Centre. The company reported a profit of ₹4,701 crore on an income of ₹37,000 crore last financial year, producing and dispatching over 70 million tons of coal.
