BCCL to Train Security Guards Through CISF to Strengthen Fight Against Coal Theft – Indian PSU

Strengthening security at its collieries and ensuring that trained manpower becomes an effective frontline against coal theft, illegal mining and smuggling are emerging as important priorities for Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL).

The issue assumes significance as BCCL plans to train its security guards through the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) before deploying them at its collieries. The objective is not merely to increase security presence but to develop trained personnel capable of identifying vulnerabilities, monitoring coal movement and responding quickly to suspicious activities.

The approach is particularly relevant because coal leakage can occur at multiple points — from mining areas and stockyards to loading points and transportation routes. Technology can monitor, but trained manpower has to respond. BCCL’s Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) and other surveillance systems can provide technological support, while trained security personnel can ensure immediate ground-level action.

The emphasis on trained manpower also ties in with BCCL’s wider focus on managing its workforce and strengthening accountability. These issues were reviewed during an APM coordination meeting held at Coal Bhawan, BCCL Headquarters.

The meeting was chaired by Kumar Manoj, General Manager (Human Resources), and Surendra Bhushan, Head of Department (IR-CSR). Regional Managers (HR) and Heads of Departments or their representatives from various sections of the Headquarters HR Directorate participated in the meeting.

Stronger focus on contract manpower

The meeting reviewed several issues concerning contractual manpower, including updating contractor details, issuing appointment letters to contract workers and ensuring welfare and medical facilities for them.

Particular emphasis was placed on the CLIP portal, with the process of updating contract-worker details scheduled to begin from October 1, 2026. Regions were also asked to ensure that manpower reports are made available by the 5th of the following month.

Accurate manpower records and clearly defined responsibilities are important not only from an HR perspective but also for effective security and accountability at mining operations.

Zero tolerance for coal leakage

BCCL’s broader objective is to move towards a zero coal leakage tolerance approach, making prevention rather than post-incident action the priority.

For this, trained guards need to be deployed according to the vulnerability of individual collieries and coal-handling locations. Their effectiveness should be supported by surveillance technology, coordination with CISF and other enforcement agencies, regular security reviews and clear accountability.

The message is straightforward: protecting coal does not end with production; every tonne must also be protected through the supply and transportation chain.

HR and pending cases reviewed

The APM meeting also reviewed registration of BCCL units under the new OHS Act, cases under the Industrial Disputes Act and Payment of Gratuity Act (ID-PG), pending provisional employment cases, CSP coverage of regular and contract workers, and the census of company quarters.

Preparations for Special Campaign 6.0, scheduled from October 2 to October 31, 2026, were also discussed. The campaign will focus on speedy disposal of pending cases, proper disposal of e-waste and other unusable materials, and cleanliness in offices and company premises.

All regions were asked to submit proposed campaign activities between September 15 and 30 for onward submission to the Ministry. The upcoming sports calendar was also reviewed.

The meeting concluded with emphasis on timely action, better inter-departmental coordination and speedy disposal of pending cases.

For BCCL, the combination of trained security manpower, technology, accurate workforce management and stronger accountability can provide a more robust framework to protect its coal assets and strengthen operational discipline across its mining areas.