Nava Raipur | January 8, 2026
Economy India | In a major boost to healthcare skilling and inclusive development in India’s coal-bearing regions, public sector coal major South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) has partnered with the Sri Sathya Sai Health and Education Trust to establish a state-of-the-art Healthcare Skill Development Centre in Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The project, being implemented under SECL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, will be developed at a total cost of ₹35.04 crore.
The proposed institution aims to provide free, employment-oriented healthcare training to youth from coal-producing districts of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, with a special focus on socially and economically disadvantaged sections.
A Strategic CSR Investment in Healthcare and Human Capital
SECL and the Sri Sathya Sai Health and Education Trust have formalised the collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking one of the most significant CSR-led investments in healthcare skill development in central India.
The MoU was signed in the presence of SECL Director (HR) Biranchi Das, with C.M. Verma, General Manager (CSR), SECL, and Vivek Narayan Gaur, Trustee, Sri Sathya Sai Health and Education Trust, signing on behalf of their respective organisations.
According to SECL officials, the initiative is designed to bridge critical gaps in skilled healthcare manpower while simultaneously improving employment prospects for youth in mining-affected and underserved regions.
Free, Job-Oriented Training for Coal Belt Youth
The upcoming healthcare skill development centre will offer completely free, skill-based training programmes in key healthcare domains, including:
- Nursing assistants
- Medical and paramedical technicians
- Allied healthcare professionals
The training will be aligned with industry and healthcare sector requirements, ensuring that graduates are job-ready upon completion. The initiative is expected to significantly enhance employability while supporting healthcare delivery systems, particularly in resource-constrained and remote areas.
Priority in admissions will be given to candidates from SECL’s operational districts. Notably, at least 20% of the annual intake will be reserved for these districts for a period of 25 years, a provision that may be further enhanced based on performance and outcomes.
World-Class Infrastructure in Nava Raipur
The proposed campus in Nava Raipur will feature comprehensive infrastructure to support high-quality training and residential learning. Planned facilities include:
- Modern academic and training buildings
- Hostels for students
- Residential facilities for staff
- Allied infrastructure and support services
Officials said the institution is being conceptualised as a centre of excellence in healthcare skilling, combining technical training with values-based education, in line with the Sri Sathya Sai Trust’s longstanding philosophy.
Building on a Proven Healthcare Partnership
SECL and the Sri Sathya Sai Health and Education Trust already share a successful track record of collaboration under the flagship healthcare initiative “SECL Ki Dhadkan”.
Under this programme, children suffering from Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) are provided free, life-saving corrective surgeries. To date, more than 180 such surgeries have been successfully conducted, significantly improving access to advanced cardiac care for underprivileged families in coal belt regions.
The new healthcare skill development centre represents a natural expansion of this partnership, moving beyond treatment to long-term capacity building and human resource development in the healthcare sector.
SECL’s Expanding Role in Regional Social Development
SECL has emerged as a key catalyst for social development across its operational areas in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. Over the years, the company has invested more than ₹850 crore in CSR initiatives spanning:
- Healthcare
- Education
- Skill development
- Infrastructure creation
- Community welfare and livelihood support
Company officials said the latest initiative reinforces SECL’s commitment to inclusive growth, sustainable development, and nation-building, particularly in regions impacted by mining activity.
Aligning CSR with National Priorities
The healthcare skill development centre aligns closely with national priorities such as:
- Strengthening healthcare infrastructure
- Expanding skilled manpower in allied health services
- Promoting employment among youth
- Ensuring equitable access to training and opportunity
By integrating CSR objectives with long-term developmental goals, SECL aims to create a scalable model of social impact that benefits both communities and the broader healthcare ecosystem.
A Long-Term Vision for Impact
With this initiative, SECL is not only investing in infrastructure but also in human capital, recognising that sustainable development in coal-bearing regions requires parallel growth in education, skills, and healthcare capacity.
As India grapples with growing demand for trained healthcare professionals, especially in semi-urban and rural areas, the SECL–Sri Sathya Sai partnership is expected to play a meaningful role in addressing workforce gaps while transforming lives in some of the country’s most underserved regions.
The project underscores how strategic CSR interventions, when aligned with credible institutions and long-term vision, can deliver measurable social and economic outcomes—making SECL a leading example of responsible public sector enterprise in India’s energy landscape.
(Economy India)
