India Social Security Coverage has increased significantly, rising from 19% in 2015 to 68.4% in 2026, bringing more than one billion people within the country’s social protection framework. The expansion has been supported by wider Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) coverage, digital reforms and welfare initiatives aimed at strengthening financial security for workers and vulnerable groups.
Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited under the Ministry of Coal, has presented a specially crafted warship model made from discarded coal mining machinery components to the Indian Navy in recognition of its service to the nation.
The model was handed over to the 1 Bengal NCC Naval Unit, Group Headquarters NCC Kolkata ‘C’, as a gesture of appreciation for the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s maritime frontiers. The initiative also highlights the shared values of service, dedication and nation-building among coal miners and naval personnel.
The warship model was designed and fabricated at ECL’s Neamatpur Central Workshop under the ‘Waste to Wealth’ initiative of Special Campaign 6. The campaign is being implemented across ECL under the guidance of Dr. Satish Jha, Chairman-cum-Managing Director.
By transforming discarded components of mining machinery into a model of a warship, ECL’s workforce has demonstrated its technical skills, creativity and commitment to resource reutilisation.
On behalf of the CMD, Functional Directors and the entire ECL Parivar, Maj. S. Tiwari, Chief of Security, ECL, accompanied by Nishchal Soni, Manager (HR), Neamatpur Central Workshop, presented the model to Commodore Caesar Basu and Commander Sanjib Saran of the Indian Navy.
The warship is among 10 different models created by ECL under the ‘Waste to Wealth’ initiative during the ongoing Special Campaign 6. Each model conveys a symbolic message on themes of public importance.
The models have been developed by creatively repurposing discarded materials, demonstrating how industrial waste can be converted into resources for innovation and meaningful expression.
The initiative reflects ECL’s focus on innovative waste management, recycling and resource conservation. It also highlights the contribution that employees’ technical expertise and craftsmanship can make towards environmental sustainability.
ECL’s initiative supports the principles of a circular economy by encouraging the productive reuse of industrial scrap. It demonstrates that materials discarded during mining operations can be repurposed into useful and symbolic creations rather than simply treated as waste.
The presentation of the warship model also represents a distinctive expression of gratitude from coal miners to the Indian Navy. It brings together the themes of national service, sustainability and national pride.
From coal mines to the seas, the initiative highlights the common spirit of dedication and service that connects different institutions working for the nation.
