Coal India is set to increase the ex-gratia payment for its workers in the event of mine accidents from the current Rs 15 lakh to Rs 25 lakh, effective September 17, 2025. This decision was announced on September 12, 2025, and will coincide with Vishwakarma Diwas and the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This enhancement in financial assistance aims to provide greater security and support to the families of coal mine workers who may face unfortunate incidents. The increased ex-gratia amount will offer a more substantial financial cushion to help them cope with the challenges that arise from such events.

Coal India Limited (CIL) has well-structured welfare schemes and facilities for its employees. These include provisions for housing, water supply, sanitation, and maintenance of residential colonies. Workers also have access to indoor and outdoor medical treatment, post-retirement medical benefits, and recreational facilities such as clubs, stadiums, playgrounds, and libraries. Additionally, there are provisions for education, including school buses, scholarships, and tuition fee reimbursement for higher education in government engineering and medical colleges.

Medical facilities for coal mine workers include periodical medical examinations. While annual check-ups are not mandatory, employees undergo examinations every five years, though this is reduced to three years for those over 45. Employees in specific roles, such as food handling or heavy machinery operation, receive routine and specialized tests. CIL provides comprehensive medical services to employees and their families, including referrals to outside hospitals when necessary. Contractual workers also receive treatment and occupational health services at CIL-owned hospitals.

In addition to ex-gratia payments and medical benefits, coal mine workers receive Provident Fund and pension benefits under the Coal Mines Provident Fund Scheme of 1948 and the Coal Mines Pension Scheme of 1998. Other benefits include leave travel concession, schooling facilities for children with subsidized transport, and leased accommodation for officers in specific cities. Post-retirement, employees receive medical benefits covering treatment costs for themselves and their spouses.

Coal India also offers various allowances and facilities to its employees. These include dearness allowance, house rent allowance, and perks and allowances that can amount to a significant portion of the basic pay. Employees may also receive a coal industry allowance, underground allowance, or coalfields allowance depending on their location and role.

The company has a Superannuation Pension Scheme to provide post-retirement benefits to executives. In cases of death or disability during duty, employees are eligible for compensation under the Employee Compensation Act. Furthermore, Coal India promotes education by providing cash awards to meritorious students who are children of CIL employees.

Coal India revises the wages of its non-executive workers, who make up a significant portion of its workforce, every five years. A wage revision agreement in 2023 provided a guaranteed minimum benefit on basic pay and other allowances, along with an increase in allowances.

The enhancement of the ex-gratia amount to Rs 25 lakh from September 17, 2025, underscores Coal India's commitment to the welfare of its employees and their families, ensuring they receive substantial support in challenging times.