Women employees play a crucial role in the workforce of various Public Sector Units (PSUs) of Coal PSUs in India.
NEW DELHI (India CSR): In recent years, the empowerment and welfare of women employees in Public Sector Units (PSUs) have become a focal point of progressive corporate policies. About 19,370 female employees are working in Coal India Limited (CIL) and its Subsidiaries under different Establishments as on December 2023
The commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for female employees is evident through a variety of initiatives and benefits designed to address their unique needs and challenges.
This story delves into the workforce statistics, welfare schemes, and empowerment programs across major Coal PSUs such as Coal India Limited (CIL), Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), and NLC India Limited (NLCIL). Through these efforts, PSUs are not only fostering gender equality but also paving the way for a more robust and diverse workforce.
Women in the Workforce
Coal India Limited (CIL)
As of December 1, 2023, Coal India Limited (CIL) and its subsidiaries employ approximately 19,370 female employees. The Forum of Women in Public Sector (WIPS), established under the aegis of the Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) on February 12, 1990, has been actively working towards empowering women in PSUs since its inception at Coal India in 1990.
CIL has implemented a sexual harassment complaints committee in line with the guidelines provided by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India. Additionally, women employees are granted maternity leave as per the Maternity Benefit Act and child care leave up to 730 days for two surviving children up to 18 years of age, as per their request.
Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL)
As of December 31, 2023, SCCL has a total of 42,003 employees on its roll, including 1,715 female employees. The company implements the provisions of the Maternity Benefit Act, providing maternity leave to its female employees. Women’s cells have been constituted in all areas, consisting of female employees to address employment-related issues.
These cells conduct regular meetings to address and resolve grievances. SCCL also offers a separate child care leave for up to 720 days for women with children under 18 years of age.
SEWA (Singareni Employees Wives Association)
SEWA, established to empower the wives of employees, organizes various training programs such as tailoring and embroidery, beautician courses, motor driving, maggam works, computer hardware, and paper carry bag and envelope making.
These programs aim to provide self-sustenance opportunities for the wives of employees and unemployed youth from surrounding areas, with support from SCCL management.
NLC India Limited (NLCIL)
As of December 31, 2023, NLCIL employs 10,638 individuals, including 866 female employees. A committee consisting of senior women executives, including a doctor, has been formed to protect women employees from sexual harassment at the workplace. NLCIL operates “Anbalaya,” a well-equipped creche with trained personnel for the benefit of working women employees.
The NLC India Limited chapter of WIPS also organizes and conducts various sports, cultural activities, and group discussions for the benefit of women employees.
*****
Welfare Schemes and Initiatives
Child Care and Maternity Benefits
The provisions of the Maternity Benefit Act are being implemented across various PSUs, benefiting women employees with maternity leave. Additionally, child care leave policies are in place to support women with young children. These policies are crucial in enabling women to balance their professional and personal lives effectively.
Women’s Cells and Grievance Redressal
Women’s cells have been established in various PSUs to address and resolve issues related to the employment of female employees. Regular meetings and active participation in these cells ensure that grievances are addressed promptly, creating a more inclusive and supportive work environment.
Training and Development Programs
Training programs organized by associations like SEWA play a significant role in empowering women and providing them with skills for self-employment. These initiatives not only enhance the skillsets of women but also contribute to their financial independence and self-sustenance.
Important Facts About Women Employees in Public Sector Units
This table summarizes key facts and initiatives related to women employees in different Public Sector Units, highlighting the workforce size, maternity and child care benefits, women’s cells, sexual harassment committees, and training programs.
| Coal India Limited (CIL) | – | 19,370 | Yes | Up to 730 days | Yes | Yes | – | – |
| Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) | 42,003 | 1,715 | Yes | Up to 720 days | Yes | – | – | Yes (SEWA) |
| NLC India Limited (NLCIL) | 10,638 | 866 | Yes | – | – | Yes | Yes | – |
(Copyright@India CSR)
