State-Level Legal Services-cum-Empowerment Camp and National Lok Adalat Organised by BCCL

A grand state-level legal services-cum-empowerment camp was organized today at the Community Hall, Coal Nagar, under the joint aegis of Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA) and District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Dhanbad, in collaboration with Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL). The virtual inauguration of the 3rd National Lok Adalat, 2026 for all DLSAs of Jharkhand was also held at the event.

The Chief Guest of the event was Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad, Judge, Jharkhand High Court-cum-Executive Chairman, JHALSA, Ranchi. Among the dignitaries present were Nikesh Kumar Sinha, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Dhanbad; CMD BCCL Manoj Kumar Agarwal; Deputy Commissioner, Dhanbad, Aditya Ranjan; and SSP Dhanbad, Prabhat Kumar.

Also present on the occasion were Director (Technical/Operations) Sanjay Kumar Singh; Director (Finance/HR) Rajesh Kumar; General Manager (HR) Kumar Manoj; General Manager (Electrical & Mechanical) R.R. Karna; General Manager (Law) Kumar Sharat Sinha; other senior officials of Coal Bhawan Headquarters, judicial officers, police and district administration officials, advocates, representatives from various departments, paralegal volunteers, members of JSLPS self-help groups, and a large number of beneficiaries from Dhanbad and surrounding areas.

Program outline and activities

The programme commenced with a traditional welcome to the guests, the national anthem and the ceremonial lighting of lamps. Students of DAV Kusunda presented a welcome song, while students of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, Govindpur presented a classical dance.

On the occasion, a short film highlighting various public welfare works, achievements and CSR activities of BCCL was screened. In his address, Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad praised the CSR activities of BCCL and described them as an important initiative towards the overall development of society.

Address by BCCL CMD Manoj Kumar Agarwal

Addressing the programme, BCCL CMD Manoj Kumar Agarwal stated that the State-Level Legal Services-cum-Empowerment Camp is not only a means of dispensing justice but also an important initiative towards bringing justice, rights and socio-economic empowerment to the common citizen.

Describing Lok Adalat as an effective means of providing simple, accessible and speedy justice, he said that access to justice should be ensured for every citizen.

He stated that true empowerment requires providing information about rights, along with financial assistance, livelihood opportunities and means of self-reliance. In this context, he highlighted BCCL’s CSR commitment and the company’s efforts towards sustainable and inclusive development.

Agarwal specifically described the scholarships being provided to 62 children affected by COVID-19 under BCCL’s CSR scheme as an important initiative. He said such efforts help ensure continuity in children’s education and connect them with better opportunities for their future.

He further said that many needy citizens are not aware of their rights, government schemes and available legal remedies. In such a situation, programmes of this nature play an important role in legal empowerment, social justice and inclusive development.

He said BCCL will continue to cooperate in the future for the welfare and empowerment of needy and underprivileged sections of society by coordinating with the District Administration, JHALSA and DLSA.

BCCL achieves speedy disposal of pre-litigation matters

It is worth noting that through the National Lok Adalat, various claims of retired and working employees of BCCL have been successfully settled even before the filing of suits in court.

Between May 1, 2026 and August 31, 2026, pre-litigation cases involving a total of 4,952 beneficiaries were settled in a timely manner, with more than ₹150 crore paid towards various claims, including gratuity, medical reimbursement, settling allowance and life cover scheme benefits.

Additionally, between September 1, 2025 and August 31, 2026, more than ₹1,400 crore was distributed to 3,016 beneficiaries under Provident Fund (PF). Overall, the company settled and distributed more than ₹1,500 crore to approximately 8,000 beneficiaries.

The initiative marked a significant achievement in demonstrating the effectiveness of the alternative dispute resolution system and the delivery of timely justice.

Distribution of assets and assistance

At the event, the CMD and other dignitaries distributed assets and assistance to beneficiaries under various schemes, including scholarships to 62 children affected by COVID-19 under the BCCL CSR scheme.

Assets were also distributed to beneficiaries of various other government and welfare schemes.

Inspection of stalls set up by various departments

During the closing session of the programme, the dignitaries inspected stalls set up by various departments, including BCCL, at the venue.

At the BCCL stall, mushroom production being carried out at Belgarhia Township under the CSR scheme, along with various livelihood and skill development activities being undertaken for women from project-affected families, was showcased.

During the visit to the stalls, the guests also distributed bicycles among students, wheelchairs among persons with disabilities, Saheya kits to Saheya Didis and safety kits among sanitation workers.

Formal welcome and Guard of Honour on arrival in Dhanbad

Earlier in the day, upon arrival at the BCCL Guest House, Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad was formally welcomed by CMD BCCL Manoj Kumar Agarwal and other senior officials with a bouquet of flowers.

The Dhanbad District Police presented a Guard of Honour to Justice Prasad.

Important initiative towards judicial empowerment

The state-level legal services-cum-empowerment camp, organized in collaboration with BCCL, was an important initiative to raise awareness among underprivileged and needy sections of society about their rights and ensure that eligible individuals receive the benefits of various government welfare schemes.