Korba. In a landmark step towards advancing gender inclusion and empowerment in the mining sector, South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL), has inaugurated the company’s first fully women-operated Central Store Unit at its workshop in Korba.
The initiative, launched under the Government of India’s Special Campaign 5.0, follows the successful establishment of Coal India’s first all-women-operated dispensary at Vasant Vihar, Bilaspur, earlier this year. Together, these milestones reaffirm SECL’s steadfast commitment to the vision of “Nari Shakti se Rashtra Shakti”, emphasizing women’s leadership in core industrial and technical roles.
The new Central Store Unit will oversee the supply, storage, and management of spare parts and inventory for the company’s operations. The unit is managed entirely by a team of eight women officers and staff, led by Ms. Sapna Ikka, Senior Manager (E&M) and alumna of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.
To ensure seamless operations, the facility integrates a modern SAP-based digital inventory management system, promoting efficiency, transparency, and alignment with SECL’s ongoing digital transformation initiatives.
Speaking on the occasion, a SECL spokesperson said,“This initiative symbolizes SECL’s continued drive to create inclusive and equitable work environments. By bringing women into operational and technical domains, we aim to redefine workplace diversity across the coal sector.”
This milestone not only marks a significant achievement for SECL and Coal India Limited but also sets a benchmark for other Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and industries to emulate. By opening new avenues for women professionals in traditionally male-dominated fields, SECL continues to champion the cause of inclusive growth, innovation, and empowerment within India’s energy sector.
