First sector wide Corporate Social Responsibility framework for coal companies

Why in News

1. New framework launched: The Ministry of Coal launched the first sector wide Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) framework for Indian coal companies on 8 September 2026.

Core facts

1. First of its kind: This is the first sector specific CSR framework since statutory CSR began under the Companies Act, 2013.
2. Design agency: The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs developed the framework. It targets communities in coal mining areas.
3. Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana (TBSY): This scheme funds treatment for thalassaemia and aplastic anaemia. Empanelled hospitals expanded from 4 to 21 nationally.
4. TBSY support: It provides up to ₹10 lakh per patient for a bone marrow transplant. The total budgeted outlay is ₹130 crore across four phases.
5. TBSY record: Over 1,050 bone marrow transplants have been completed. Coal India Limited (CIL) delivers this programme.
6. Nanha Sa Dil: This programme addresses congenital heart defects in newborns. It began in March 2024 in four districts of Jharkhand.
7. Nanha Sa Dil record: Over 200,000 children were screened. More than 1,500 corrective cardiac surgeries were performed free of cost. Subsidiaries SECL, CCL, NCL and WCL scaled the programme.

Static Context

1. Statutory CSR was introduced through Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013.
2. CSR rule: Qualifying companies must spend 2 percent of average net profits of the preceding three years on CSR.
3. Applicability: The rule applies to companies meeting thresholds on net worth, turnover or net profit.
4. Coal India Limited is a Maharatna central public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Coal.

Prelims angle

1. CSR statutory basis: Section 135, Companies Act, 2013, and the 2 percent spending norm.
2. Scheme mapping: Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana and Nanha Sa Dil are run by coal sector enterprises, a testable pairing.

Mains angle

1. GS3 and GS4: A question can examine whether mandatory CSR produces genuine social value or compliance driven spending, using coal sector health schemes as evidence.

Matching Previous Year Question

“[2024] With reference to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) rules in India, consider the following statements:
1. CSR rules specify that expenditures that benefit the company directly or its employees will not be considered as CSR activities.
2. CSR rules do not specify minimum spending on CSR activities.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Final answer: (a)”

“[2013, GS3, 10 marks] With a consideration towards the strategy of inclusive growth, the new Companies Bill, 2013 has indirectly made CSR a mandatory obligation. Discuss the challenges expected in its implementation in right earnest. Also discuss other provisions in the Bill and their implications”