Bilaspur, India |: South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) has congratulated Shri N. Franklin Jayakumar, Director (Technical) (Operations), on his recommendation by the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) for the prestigious position of Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) of Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL). The recommendation was made during the PESB selection meeting held on July 8, 2026.
The recommendation marks another significant milestone in Shri Jayakumar’s distinguished career spanning more than three decades in the coal and lignite mining industry, where he has earned recognition for his expertise in mining operations, project execution, mine safety, and strategic leadership.
Shri Jayakumar joined SECL in February 2024 as Director (Technical) (Project & Planning). Following his successful tenure in project planning, he assumed the role of Director (Technical) (Operations) on January 1, 2025, where he has been responsible for overseeing mining operations across one of Coal India Limited’s largest subsidiaries.
Before joining SECL, Shri Jayakumar served as Executive Director – Coal Coordination & Project Head, Talabira II & III Open Cast Project (OCP) at NLC India Limited. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in coordinating large-scale mining projects and driving operational efficiency. He also held several senior leadership positions within NLC India, contributing significantly to the company’s growth and mining development initiatives.
Earlier in his professional journey, Shri Jayakumar spent 18 years with The Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), where he gained extensive experience in both highly mechanized underground and opencast coal mining operations. Expanding his global expertise, he also successfully led operations at a 5 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) coal mine in Indonesia for five years, bringing valuable international mining and project management experience.
Academically, Shri Jayakumar possesses an impressive combination of technical and managerial qualifications. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mining Engineering from the College of Engineering, Guindy, Anna University, Chennai. He further earned a Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Engineering & Management from the Central University, Hyderabad, along with an MBA in Human Resource Management from Alagappa University, Tamil Nadu.
He is also a holder of the prestigious First Class Mine Manager’s Certificate of Competency, awarded by the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), reflecting his deep technical expertise and commitment to safe mining practices. Additionally, he is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers (India).
Beyond his operational responsibilities, Shri Jayakumar has made substantial contributions to the broader mining sector. He has served as a Board Member of the Skill Council for Mining Sector (SCMS), supporting workforce development and skill enhancement across the industry. He also held leadership roles in the Tamil Nadu Mines Safety Association, promoting occupational safety and best mining practices.
His policy-level contributions include participation in the Ministry of Coal’s Crisis Management Plan, an important component of India’s National Disaster Management Framework, highlighting his expertise in emergency preparedness and risk management within the mining sector.
In its congratulatory message, SECL described Shri Jayakumar’s recommendation as a well-deserved recognition of his exceptional leadership, technical excellence, and dedication to the mining industry. The company expressed confidence that his vast experience and visionary leadership would contribute significantly to the continued growth and operational excellence of Northern Coalfields Limited.
The entire SECL family extended its heartfelt congratulations to Shri N. Franklin Jayakumar and wished him continued success as he prepares to take on one of the most significant leadership roles in India’s public sector coal mining industry.
