SECL Hosts Interactive Session on Preventive Vigilance and Good Governance
CVC Consultant Rajiv Verma emphasizes transparency, accountability and risk-based vigilance as SECL CMD Harish Duhan administers Integrity Pledge to officers and employees
South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) on Monday organized an interactive session on “Preventive Vigilance, Complaint Handling and Vigilance Administration” at its headquarters in Bilaspur, reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability and good governance.
The session was addressed by Rajiv Verma, Consultant, Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), New Delhi, who emphasized that the objective of preventive vigilance extends beyond investigating irregularities or imposing penalties. He said the real purpose is to establish a transparent, accountable and efficient system that minimizes opportunities for misconduct and strengthens institutional integrity.
Verma elaborated on the importance of fair and timely grievance redressal, risk-based vigilance mechanisms, and the adoption of best practices in vigilance administration to improve organizational effectiveness.
The programme was attended by Harish Duhan, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, SECL; Ajay Kumar Jaiswal, Chief Vigilance Officer, Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL); N. Franklin Jayakumar, Director (Technical/Operations); Biranchi Das, Director (Human Resources); Darla Sunil Kumar, Director (Finance); Ramesh Chandra Mohapatra, Director (Technical/Planning & Projects); and Himanshu Jain, Chief Vigilance Officer, SECL. Heads of Departments, senior officers and employees from all SECL operational areas also participated through video conferencing.
The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, paying homage to the architect of India’s administrative unity.
Addressing the gathering, Harish Duhan said transparency, ethics and accountability form the foundation of SECL’s work culture. He noted that preventive vigilance is a key pillar of effective governance and that such interactive sessions help strengthen the organization’s culture of integrity.
In his welcome address, Himanshu Jain highlighted the growing role of technology-driven systems such as DigiCoal and other online platforms in improving transparency, accelerating decision-making and reinforcing preventive vigilance across SECL.
On the occasion, Harish Duhan administered the Integrity Pledge to officers and employees, reiterating the organization’s commitment to ethical conduct and responsible governance.
The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer segment in which participants sought clarifications on vigilance administration, complaint handling and disciplinary procedures. Rajiv Verma responded with practical insights and real-world examples, encouraging a proactive approach towards preventive vigilance.
Earlier in the day, Rajiv Verma paid a courtesy visit to Harish Duhan. This was followed by a review meeting with Heads of Departments and officers of the Vigilance Department, during which participants discussed measures to further strengthen SECL’s vigilance framework, enhance transparency and improve overall organizational effectiveness.
