Bilaspur : South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) has launched a four-day Awareness and Capacity Building Training Program at its Management Development Institute (MDI) headquarters in Bilaspur for officers authorized under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act).
The training program was inaugurated by SECL Director (Human Resources), Biranchi Das, who attended the event as the Chief Guest. The initiative is designed to strengthen the capabilities of officers empowered under Sections 22, 23B, and 24 of the MMDR Act to combat illegal coal mining and coal theft more effectively.
According to a Government of India Gazette Notification, officers from SECL, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), TSR, and the Madhya Pradesh State Industrial Security Force (SISF) have been authorized to take legal action against cases involving illegal coal mining and coal theft. Under these provisions, authorized officers can now file complaints directly before courts, enabling faster investigation, prosecution, and disposal of such cases.
To conduct the training, Vipul Shukla, a former Inspector General (IG) of Jharkhand Police and a retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, has been invited as the subject matter expert. Currently serving as Senior Security Advisor at Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), Shukla will provide participants with detailed guidance on the legal provisions of the MMDR Act, investigation procedures, evidence collection, and the preparation of strong prosecution reports to ensure effective legal action against offenders.
The training program, being held from June 23 to June 26, 2026, includes participation from senior SECL officials, regional security nodal officers, general managers, agents, managers, officers from the Human Resources and Security Departments, as well as personnel from CISF, TSR, and the Madhya Pradesh SISF.
The primary objective of the program is to enhance awareness, strengthen legal knowledge, and improve the operational efficiency of authorized officers in dealing with illegal mining, coal theft, and related offenses. By equipping officers with a deeper understanding of their legal powers, responsibilities, and procedural requirements, SECL aims to reinforce its efforts to protect national mineral resources and curb illegal mining activities through swift and effective enforcement.