SECL’s milestone in Korba
Coal India’s Women Operated Central Store Boosts Industrial Inclusivity: South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, inaugurated its first all-women operated Central Store Unit at the Central Workshop in Korba, Chhattisgarh, on 5 October 2025. The initiative is part of Special Campaign 5.0, showcasing the government’s emphasis on inclusivity and efficiency.
The store is fully managed by a team of eight women officers and staff, symbolizing a breakthrough in women-led operations in heavy industries. The leadership is under Ms. Sapna Ikka, Senior Manager (E&M) and an alumna of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.
Static GK fact: Coal India Limited is the world’s largest coal producer, headquartered in Kolkata.
Functional features of the store
The Central Store Unit is designed to manage spare parts supply, logistics, and inventory control for SECL’s industrial network. Unlike conventional units, it is entirely women-operated, making it unique within India’s mining ecosystem.
Earlier, SECL had launched Coal India’s first all-women dispensary at Bilaspur, reflecting its consistent push for gender inclusivity.
Static GK fact: SECL is India’s largest coal-producing subsidiary, contributing more than 25% of CIL’s total output.
Digital integration for efficiency
The store operates on an advanced SAP-based digital platform, enabling:
- Real-time inventory tracking
- Transparency in materials management
- Automated audits and reporting
This approach improves efficiency while ensuring accountability in large-scale industrial systems.
Static GK Tip: SAP (Systems, Applications, Products) is a leading enterprise resource planning software widely used in Indian PSUs.
Broader significance
The Korba store is not just a symbolic step. It represents a structural shift by placing women in roles traditionally dominated by men. This enhances both skill-based inclusion and organizational diversity.
It also strengthens India’s image of empowering women under the theme “Nari Shakti se Rashtra Shakti.”
Alignment with national priorities
The initiative is linked to wider government missions:
- Special Campaign 5.0 – promoting innovation and inclusivity
- Atmanirbhar Bharat – boosting self-reliance and indigenous capabilities
- Viksit Bharat @2047 – setting a vision for industrial growth
- Mission Karmayogi – building professional excellence in governance
- Nari Shakti Vandan – celebrating women’s contribution in every sector
Static GK fact: Mission Karmayogi is India’s national programme for civil services capacity building, launched in 2020.
Long-term implications
The store enhances Coal India’s CSR profile while reinforcing diversity in public sector enterprises. It also inspires other PSUs to adopt women-led operational models, paving the way for wider inclusivity in core industries.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Coal India’s Women Operated Central Store Boosts Industrial Inclusivity:
| Topic | Detail |
| Event | Inauguration of first all-women Central Store Unit |
| Date | 5 October 2025 |
| Location | Central Workshop, SECL Korba, Chhattisgarh |
| Organization | South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), subsidiary of CIL |
| Campaign | Government of India’s Special Campaign 5.0 |
| Head of Unit | Ms. Sapna Ikka, Senior Manager (E&M), IIT (ISM) Dhanbad alumna |
| Team Composition | 8 women officers and staff |
| Previous Initiative | All-women dispensary at Bilaspur by SECL |
| Technology Used | SAP-based digital inventory system |
| National Linkages | Atmanirbhar Bharat, Mission Karmayogi, Viksit Bharat @2047 |
