
Every evening after finishing work, these Ranchi-based executives help students from humble homes prepare for entrance exams to their former alma mater – IITs!
Companies in the coal industry often find themselves in the news for the wrong reasons. However, it is also true that coal that continues to power a majority of India’s economic activities. Today, one public sector undertaking has fulfilled the dreams of two JEE aspirants.
The Ranchi-based Central Coalfields Limited, a public-sector undertaking, found itself in the news for going beyond the call of duty to assist students from low-income households, wanting to get into the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology and other engineering colleges.
Employees from CCL, who have formally studied in the IITs, offered to coach classes to students from poor households living in the vicinity of their factory. On Sunday, the efforts of these former IITians bore fruit as two of their students qualified for this year’s IIT-JEE (Advanced), reports the Times of India.
Nikhil Nishchhal, the son of a farmer, and Siddhant Prasad, a tailor’s son, cracked the exam after preparing in the ‘CCL ke Lal’ programme set up by CCL as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) mandate.

Established by CCL chairman Gopal Singh, the programme saw 11 out of 14 selected students qualifying for the JEE (Main) and the final two getting through all the way.
Launched in 2012 with 11 boys from poor households, this is an effort by CCL to reach out to the local community. These children are selected after Class X on merit and then offered free coaching by CCL employees.
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In addition to coaching, CCL also offers selected students a shot at quality school education at DAV Gandhinagar, which is among the best schools in Ranchi. Considering that some of the applicants come in from miles away, CCL reportedly also provides shelter and food for those affected.
Thanks to the success of this initiative, CCL has decided to launch another programme for young girls called CCL Ki Ladli.
(Edited by Gayatri Mishra)