BCCL Hosts Half-Yearly Review Meeting of NARAKAS Dhanbad at Coal Bhawan Headquarters

The half-yearly review meeting of the Nagar Rajbhasha Karyanvayan Samiti (NARAKAS), Dhanbad, was held today at the Coal Bhawan headquarters of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL). The meeting saw the participation of heads and representatives from all 51 member offices, including Hindi officers and officials of the Hindi Department.

The meeting was chaired by Manoj Kumar Agarwal, CMD, BCCL, and ex-officio Chairman of NARAKAS Dhanbad. Distinguished dignitaries present included Ajay Singh (Deputy Director General, DGMS), Murali Krishna Ramaiah, Director (HR), BCCL; Dilip Kumar Singh (Chief General Manager, DVC); Vineet Rawal (Executive Director, KCOAP); Uma Shankar Singh (Regional Director, CMPDIL); Amarnath (Chief Scientist, SIMFAR); Rajiv Tiwari; Pradeep Vishwakarma (Commandant, CISF BCCL); and Kumar Manoj, General Manager (HR/Official Language), BCCL. Dr. Vichitrasen Gupta, Deputy Director (Implementation), Regional Implementation Office (Eastern Region), attended as an observer. The programme was conducted by Udayveer Singh, Secretary and Manager (Official Language), NARAKAS, BCCL.

Key Proceedings

• The committee discussed and approved several major agenda items, including:

• Release of the combined 27th–28th issue of Dhanbad Rajbhasha Sandesh

• Presentation of the Annual Official Language Excellence Awards

• Felicitation of winners of competitions held under NARAKAS

• Confirmation of minutes and review of follow-up action

• Review of Official Language progress for April–June and July–September 2025

• Decision to organise an Official Language Conference on World Hindi Day in January 2026

• Review of competitions/activities organized by member offices

The event commenced with the national anthem, followed by a welcome address by Kumar Manoj, who outlined the objectives and agenda of the meeting. Later, dignitaries on stage released the combined issue of Dhanbad Rajbhasha Sandesh and awarded certificates and shields to winners of various Hindi competitions.

Emphasis on Strengthening Hindi Usage

In his presidential address, CMD BCCL Manoj Kumar Agarwal said that Hindi is not only an official requirement but also a symbol of cultural identity and administrative efficiency. He urged all member offices to adopt Hindi naturally in daily communication, correspondence, meetings, applications and inter-departmental work. He stressed punctuality, integrity and continuous improvement in implementing the Official Language Policy.

Ajay Singh (DDG, DGMS) praised NARAKAS Dhanbad for its collaborative efforts and said that Hindi, as the official language, must be used consistently by Central Government employees. He noted the increasing acceptance of Hindi across the country, even in non-Hindi speaking states.

Observer Dr. Vichitrasen Gupta highlighted the need for greater innovation and active participation to promote the use of Hindi. He stressed moving beyond statistics and ensuring practical, consistent use of the language.

Official Language Excellence Awards 2025

The Annual Official Language Excellence Awards were presented in three categories:

Enterprise Category

• First: Bharat Coking Coal Limited

• Second: Central Coal Supply Organisation

• Third: DVC, Maithon Dam Project

• Promotion: Food Corporation of India

• Incentive: BEML Limited

Office Category

• First: Central Industrial Security Force

• Second: Divisional Railway Manager’s Office, East Central Railway

• Third: Coal Mines Provident Fund Organisation

• Incentive: Directorate General of Mines Safety

• Incentive: National Statistical Office, Dhanbad

Banks & Financial Institutions Category

• First: Bank of India, Zonal Office

• Second: Canara Bank, Regional Office

• Third: Union Bank of India, Regional Office

• Incentive: Central Bank of India, Regional Office

Winners of the Essay Competition 2025 organised by CISF and Bank of India (Dhanbad Zone) were also honoured.

Review & Future Plans

A comprehensive PowerPoint review of member offices’ Official Language implementation for the April–June and July–September 2025 quarters was presented. Achievements of the past six months and future strategies were discussed in detail.

It was unanimously decided that all member offices would intensify Hindi-related activities to enhance awareness among employees. The 29th issue of Dhanbad Rajbhasha Sandesh will be published at the next meeting, along with a compilation of contributions from member offices. The next meeting will be hosted by the Central Coal Supply Corporation.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Arvind Kumar Singh, Hindi Officer, DVC.