More than 200 football teams have been set up at village-level (command area) under the guidance of Gopal Singh, chairman-cum-managing director, Central Coalfields limited (CCl) under its Kaayakalp Project.
Captain of each team was invited at CCl Headquarters (Ranchi) on Saturday to participate in a function, chaired by R R Mishra, Director(Personnel), CCl. Captains were felicitated and Mishra interacted with them, asked their profile and ensured that the management is committed to promote their skill.
Addressing the budding football players, Shri Mishra said that the main objective for setting up village-level teams is to groom talents among the rural players so that they represent state as well as the country. “All of you are members the CCl extended family. About 48,000 workforce are directly associated with CCl but 10 lakh people are indirectly related with the company in its command areas,” Mishra said. Director(Personnel) also informed the youths about other CSR activities like barefoot managers, self employment schemes, Jan Arogyan Kendra for BPl cardholders(project affected), free education to 11 meritorious students etc. “Youths are representing each village and they would also play a crucial link between the management and the village . In fact, players would be the brand ambassador of the company,” Mishra said.
Mishra directed the nodal officer of CCl(area) to select two teams and organize an inter-area football competition to select 50 budding players by experts and company would provide best coaching for them. “You should play football to achieve your dream,” Mishra said.
In the welcome address, K S Patro, General Manager( P/IR) said that players should not limit their game at village-level but must play for national/international matches and held high flag of CCl. R S Mahapatro, General Manager(P/NEE) proposed vote of thanks while Sanjay Kumar, compered the programme. Few players also echoed voice of their village, saying that this is the unique initiative of CCl ,which is aimed at promoting skills among the players of rural area.
In addition to promote sports, the company is committed to provide basic facilities in its command areas including drinking water, education, hospital facilities etc. Overall uplift of villagers, downtrodden and workforce associated with CCl is the objective of the company.