The 4th Coal India Limited CSR Conclave was successfully held at Gopalpur, Odisha, bringing together senior leadership and CSR professionals from across Coal India and its subsidiaries. The event was graced by Shri P.M. Prasad, Chairman, Coal India Limited; Shri Uday Kaole, Chairman & Managing Director, Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL); Dr. Vinay Ranjan, Director (HR), Coal India; Shri Keshav Rao, Director (HR), MCL; and several other dignitaries including CVOs, Directors (HR & CSR) of Coal India subsidiaries, and members of the CD Cadre.
Delivering the keynote address on “One Decade of the CSR Legislation: Overview and the Road Ahead,” Shri Bhaskar Chatterjee, former Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, reflected on the remarkable evolution of the CSR ecosystem in India over the past decade. He emphasized that CSR has now transitioned from a compliance-based activity to a Board-driven, strategy-aligned agenda, integrated into the very core of corporate governance and business purpose.
“CSR in India has moved beyond mere compliance—it is now about commitment, conscience, and creating measurable impact,” said Shri Bhaskar Chatterjee. “Decisions on CSR are increasingly being taken at the highest levels of corporate leadership, linking social responsibility with long-term business sustainability and national development goals.”
Tracing the exponential growth of CSR expenditure between 2014-15 and 2023-24, Shri Chatterjee noted that CSR has become a dynamic and influential sector, generating livelihoods and promoting inclusive growth. He highlighted the growing professionalization of CSR, the emergence of structured training programs, and the need for passionate and visionary CSR leaders who can translate intent into meaningful change on the ground.
Looking ahead, Shri Chatterjee identified key trends shaping the future of CSR, including digital monitoring systems, artificial intelligence-driven analytics, and real-time impact dashboards. He stressed the importance of technology in enhancing transparency and accountability and commended the growing collaboration between companies and government agencies to achieve shared social objectives.
The conclave concluded with a vibrant cultural programme showcasing Odisha’s rich heritage of art, music, and dance. A special commendation was extended to the MCL team, led by CMD Shri Uday Kaole and Director (HR) Shri Keshav Rao, for their exemplary organization and hospitality, which made the event a grand success.
