The Coal Ministry launched the RECLAIM – a community engagement and development framework for mine closure and repurposing.
Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G Kishan Reddy launched the RECLAIM – a community engagement and development framework on 4th July, 2025.
Developed by:
» The Coal Controller Organisation, under the Ministry of Coal, in partnership with the Heartfulness Institute, has developed this comprehensive Community Development Framework.
- The RECLAIM framework is designed specifically for mine closures. Recognizing that mine closures significantly impact both landscapes and local livelihoods, this framework is a key step toward ensuring a just and sustainable transition for communities that have developed alongside mining operations over decades.
Key Points:
- This framework—referred to as the RECLAIM—serves as a structured guide for inclusive community engagement and development during mine closure and the post-closure phases. It provides a practical, step-by-step approach to institutionalizing community participation in the transition process.
- The framework is supported by a suite of actionable tools, templates, and field-tested methodologies tailored to the Indian context. A special emphasis is placed on gender inclusiveness, representation of vulnerable groups, and coordination with Panchayati Raj Institutions to ensure that transition is equitable and locally relevant.
Ultimately, the RECLAIM Framework aspires to facilitate a seamless and resilient transition for mining communities—grounded in trust, ecological restoration, and long-term socio- economic well-being.