**Policy Summary: NCL Employment of Local Tribal Youth**
This document summarizes the Indian Ministry of Coal's response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1733, answered on July 30, 2025, regarding the employment of local tribal youth by Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) in contract work.
The Ministry states that NCL ensures due preference is given to local tribal youth in its contracts. Data provided indicates the following engagement of Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) workers in contract works at NCL since April 1, 2021:
* **April 1, 2021:** Total workers: 19,660; SC workers: 3,058; ST workers: 2,278; SC/ST percentage: 27.14%
* **April 1, 2022:** Total workers: 19,339; SC workers: 3,028; ST workers: 2,371; SC/ST percentage: 27.92%
* **April 1, 2023:** Total workers: 22,532; SC workers: 4,104; ST workers: 3,052; SC/ST percentage: 31.76%
* **April 1, 2024:** Total workers: 25,202; SC workers: 4,617; ST workers: 3,458; SC/ST percentage: 32.04%
* **April 1, 2025:** Total workers: 23,766; SC workers: 4,279; ST workers: 3,251; SC/ST percentage: 31.68%
The Mining Service Contracts, as outlined in the Contract Management Manual (CMM), include provisions for contractors to employ local project-affected people whenever possible. NCL promotes participation of local youths and project-affected persons in contract works and supports local youth through cooperative societies. Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Minister of Coal and Mines, provided the response.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Coal: The Indian government ministry responsible for coal and lignite reserves exploration and development in India.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Parliament of India.
Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL): A subsidiary of Coal India Limited, involved in coal mining operations.
SHRI BABU SINGH KUSHWAHA: A Member of Parliament (MP) who raised a question in the Lok Sabha regarding employment of tribal youth by NCL.
SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY: The Minister of Coal and Mines who provided the answer to the Lok Sabha question.
Scheduled Castes (SC): A group of historically disadvantaged communities recognized by the Government of India.
Scheduled Tribes (ST): A group of historically disadvantaged indigenous communities recognized by the Government of India.
Contract Management Manual (CMM): A document outlining provisions within Mining Service Contracts to prioritize employment of local project affected people.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COAL
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 1733
ANSWERED ON 30/07/2025
JOBS TO LOCAL TRIBAL YOUTH BY NCL
1733. SHRI BABU SINGH KUSHWAHA:
Will the Minster of COAL be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware that local tribal youth are not being adequately
accommodated by Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) in the various works being carried out
through the contract system and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the participation of the tribal youth in contract works is also negligible in the areas
significantly affected by displacement, if so, the number of tribal youths have been accommodated
in contract works during the last five years and if not, the action plan of the Government to ensure
fair employment opportunities for the tribal community;
(c) whether the Government has issued any directions to NCL and its associated contractors to
give employment to local tribal youths on a priority basis, if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the details of monitoring mechanism that has been developed to ensure adequate tribal
representation among contract labourers?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF COAL AND MINES
(SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)
(a) & (b): Northern Coalfields Limited in its various Contracts ensures that due preference is given
to the local tribal youths for their engagement and they are adequately Accommodated in various
works being carried out through the contract system. The details of Local Tribal Youths engaged
in contracts works in last 5 years is as follows-
Total SC/ ST Worker details in Contract works at NCL Since 2021
Year Total no. of Contractor No. of SC Contractor No. of ST Contractor % of SC/ ST
starting workers workers workers Workers
01.04.2021 19660 3058 2278 27.14
01.04.2022 19339 3028 2371 27.92
01.04.2023 22532 4104 3052 31.76
01.04.2024 25202 4617 3458 32.04
01.04.2025 23766 4279 3251 31.68(c) & (d): A provision has been made in the Mining Service Contracts, i.e., Contract Management
Manual (CMM) that contractors employ local project affected people to the extent possible.
Mechanisms are in place to promote the participation of local youths and project-affected persons
in contract works. NCL continues to encourage inclusive engagement through its policy
framework and supports local youth through cooperative societies in contract opportunities.
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