SCCL Clarifies Coal Stock Position, Site Visit Norms and Ongoing Medical Board Probe

Hyderabad: The Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) has issued a detailed clarification regarding its current coal stock levels, the introduction of mandatory site visit certificates for contractors, and the ongoing Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) investigation into alleged irregularities in medical board assessments.

According to SCCL, coal stock available at its mines and Coal Handling Plants (CHPs) stood at 2.651 million tonnes (26.51 lakh tonnes) as of June 4, marking the lowest inventory level recorded in the past decade. The company noted that maintaining coal stocks is a routine operational requirement to ensure uninterrupted supply to thermal power stations and industrial consumers across southern India.

SCCL stated that coal inventories traditionally build up during the high-production period between November and May and are subsequently utilized when production is affected by factors such as monsoon conditions. Historical records show coal stocks of 7 million tonnes in 2015-16 and 7.4 million tonnes in 2016-17, while the average stock maintained between 2014 and 2024 was around 5 million tonnes.

The company emphasized that maintaining adequate stock is especially important during the monsoon season to ensure uninterrupted coal supplies for power generation. SCCL generally aims to maintain a minimum stock of around 3 million tonnes, equivalent to approximately 15 days of thermal power requirements.

Addressing concerns over the mandatory Site Visit Certificate requirement introduced in May 2025 for overburden (OB) removal contracts, SCCL said the measure was implemented to ensure contractors fully understand site conditions, safety requirements, local challenges, and project scope before submitting bids.

The company explained that several contractors in the past had abandoned projects midway after failing to properly assess geographical, operational, and socio-political conditions, resulting in delays, financial losses, and disruption of coal production targets. Projects such as Srirampur OC-II and IK OC were cited as examples where inadequate site assessment led to operational setbacks.

SCCL clarified that the site visit requirement is already followed by organizations such as GMDC, GIPCL, NMDC, and several solar and EPC project operators. The company added that similar provisions had been implemented for its Coal Handling Plant projects in previous years based on recommendations from CMPDI, a subsidiary of Coal India Limited.

According to SCCL, the new system has improved project execution, with awarded contracts progressing smoothly and without major disruptions. The company said it facilitates site visits and issues certificates to all eligible bidders.

On the issue of alleged irregularities in medical board assessments conducted for dependent and compassionate appointments, SCCL confirmed that complaints regarding malpractice and the involvement of middlemen prompted the management to approach the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).

The company revealed that two employees have already been arrested during the course of the investigation and departmental action has been initiated against them. SCCL’s Vigilance Department is also conducting an internal inquiry alongside the ongoing ACB probe.

SCCL stated that these measures are aimed at improving transparency, strengthening governance mechanisms, and ensuring accountability across its operational and recruitment processes.

Follow MunsifNews24x7 for latest updates.