Mr. Bhattacharya took over the mantle of CIL from Dr. A K Dubey, Additional Secretary to Government of India, Ministry of Coal who was holding the additional charge as Chairman CIL since 26 June 2014 after the post was vacated by Mr. S Narsingh Rao.
Soon after assuming the charge, Mr. Bhattacharya had a meeting with the Directors of the company and also had a video conference with the CMDs of the subsidiary coal companies on the pressing issues and priorities of the company.
Prioritizing his immediate goals Mr. Bhattacharya said, “Ramping up coal production and importantly increasing coal supplies are immediate focus areas. We would be diligently following the setting up of three important railways lines in the states of Jharkhand, Chattisgarh and Odisha which would help in unlocking huge coal reserves and increasing coal supplies” . He further added, “Coal India plays a pivotal role in the country’s energy scenario apart from having a significant economic and social presence. To lead such a company is a privilege and I look forward to meeting the challenge with help and support from all strata of the employees”.
Speaking of Coal India’s role as a corporate citizen, Mr. Bhattacharya said that Coal India is actively pursuing the ‘Clean India Initiative’ announced by the government recently, by providing hygienic sanitation in schools and in the households of underprivileged by constructing individual toilet facilities.
To connect with the employees is an important management function and the welfare of the employees is a priority concern of the company, Mr. Bhattacharya added. Coal India has an ambitious production programme in the ensuing years and to achieve this forging a strong bond and employee welfare is very important. The employee welfare amenities like proper housing, sanitation, health educational facilities would receive high importance.
CIL strives hard to create a conducive work environment. CIL is further strengthening its functional grievance handling mechanism for a contented work force at Corporate and subsidiary level and taking advantage of IT, registration of grievances has been enabled through e-platforms on CIL website.
A Physics Graduate from Presidency College, Kolkata Mr. Bhattacharya has vast and varied experience across different government sectors and positions. He was collector and District Magistrate of Prakasham District. As Principal Secretary (Energy), Government of AP, Mr. Bhattacharya’s prime concern was to ensure quality power supply at reasonable price to all consumers in the state.