Bilaspur, India |: In a significant leadership move in India’s coal sector, the Ministry of Coal, Government of India, with the approval of the Union Minister of Coal, has entrusted Shri Biranchi Das, Director (Human Resource), South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), with the additional charge of Director (Human Resource), Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL).
The appointment will become effective from July 1, 2026, and will remain in force for six months, or until a regular Director (Human Resource) is appointed at MCL, or until further government orders, whichever comes first.
Experienced HR Leader
Shri Biranchi Das has been serving as Director (Human Resource) at SECL since March 20, 2024. With nearly 30 years of experience in Human Resource Management, Industrial Relations, and Employee Welfare, he has played a key role in introducing several employee-focused reforms and welfare initiatives across the company.
Major Achievements at SECL
During his tenure, SECL has launched and expanded several flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs:
- “SECL Ki Dhadkan” has successfully supported 300 life-saving congenital heart surgeries for underprivileged children.
- “SECL Ke Sushrut”, a medical coaching initiative, has successfully completed two batches of students preparing for medical entrance examinations.
- The SECL Ke Sushrut program also became the first CSR initiative by any Coal Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) to be listed on the Government of India’s Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Portal.
Human Resource Reforms
Under Biranchi Das’s leadership, SECL has strengthened its workforce through several HR initiatives. Since FY 2024-25, the company has provided employment to more than 1,623 landowners affected by mining operations and 946 dependent family members. SECL has also introduced innovative employee welfare measures aimed at improving industrial relations, organizational development, and workforce engagement.
Career Background
Shri Biranchi Das began his professional career in 1994 as a Welfare Officer (Trainee) at Deulbera Colliery in MCL’s Talcher Area. He holds a Postgraduate Degree in Personnel Management & Industrial Relations from Utkal University, Odisha.
During his earlier stint at MCL, he played a vital role in improving industrial relations and contributed to the development of several important HR policies, including the House Allotment & Administration Rules for Non-Executives.
Additional Responsibilities
Apart from his responsibilities at SECL and MCL, Shri Biranchi Das currently serves as a Director on the Boards of Chhattisgarh East Railway Limited (CERL) and Chhattisgarh East-West Railway Limited (CEWRL).
The additional assignment reflects the Government of India’s confidence in Biranchi Das’s leadership and extensive experience in human resource management, while ensuring continuity in HR administration at Mahanadi Coalfields Limited until a permanent appointment is made.
