Union Coal & Mines Minister Inaugurates BCCL Skill Institute, School and Key Rehabilitation Projects in Jharia
The Revised Jharia Master Plan aims to address long-standing issues of mine fires, unsafe habitation and rehabilitation
Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy on Tuesday inaugurated Bharat Coking Coal Limited’s (BCCL) Multi-Skill Development Institute (MSDI–IV) and a newly constructed Middle/High School at Karmatand Township, reinforcing the government’s commitment to rehabilitation and skill development under the Revised Jharia Master Plan (RJMP).
The Minister also laid foundation stones and inaugurated multiple infrastructure and rehabilitation projects at Belgarhia and Karmatand townships, developed for families displaced due to underground coal fires and land subsidence in the Jharia Coalfield.
The Revised Jharia Master Plan, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs in June 2025, aims to address long-standing issues of mine fires, unsafe habitation and rehabilitation. While the Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Authority (JRDA) is rehabilitating non-BCCL families, BCCL is responsible for families within its operational areas.
At MSDI–IV, the Minister interacted with trainees enrolled in newly launched courses including Beautician, Customer Care Executive and Fitter (Balancing), aimed at enhancing employability and self-reliance among local youth. He later inaugurated the Middle/High School at Karmatand and planted saplings on the campus, highlighting the importance of education and environmental sustainability.
Addressing the gathering, Reddy said families in Jharia had lived under hazardous conditions for decades and assured that the government is committed to providing safe housing, dignity and modern civic amenities. He noted that facilities such as education, healthcare, skill training, livelihood opportunities and community infrastructure are being strengthened in the rehabilitation townships.
At Belgarhia Rehabilitation Township, the Minister inaugurated the JRDA Administrative Building and a Public Distribution System (PDS) shop, aimed at improving governance, grievance redressal and essential services. Eleven e-rickshaws were also distributed to rehabilitated families under BCCL’s CSR programme to support livelihood generation.
Foundation stones were laid for road widening works, installation of 500 LED solar streetlights, balance development works across multiple phases, and upgradation of a primary school into a model school with modern facilities.
At Karmatand, developed by BCCL, the Minister noted that over 4,000 houses have been constructed with assured water and power supply, internal roads, lighting and security. He also inaugurated the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) of BCCL and the Dugdha Solar Power Plant, marking steps towards digital monitoring, operational efficiency and clean energy adoption.
The event was attended by Coal India Chairman B. Sairam, CMD BCCL Manoj Kumar Agarwal, senior ministry officials, district administration, CISF officials, elected representatives and labour union leaders.
The initiatives reaffirm the integrated approach of the Government of India, JRDA and BCCL towards safe rehabilitation, skill development, sustainable livelihoods and improved quality of life for families affected in the Jharia Coalfield.
