The Telangana government is preparing to appoint a new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) for Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL). Balaram, currently serving as in-charge CMD, has completed his deputation tenure from the Central Revenue Service. Having served six years as director and in-charge CMD, his initial five-year deputation was extended by one year. The state government has decided not to seek another extension from the Centre and is reportedly considering appointing a senior IAS or IPS officer from Telangana as the regular CMD. Being the largest public sector enterprise in the state and one of the most profitable, the CMD position has attracted interest from several senior officials.
Despite profitability in production and operations, SCCL is facing financial challenges. The company has pending dues of ₹23,000 crore from DISCOMs and has been relying on monthly bank overdrafts to meet salaries and operational expenses. Company officials have expressed concerns over the financial strain but remain committed to continuing operations and strategic planning to maintain growth.
In parallel, SCCL is pursuing large-scale investments across multiple sectors. The company has started construction of an 800 MW thermal power plant in Pegadapalli, Mancherial district, at a cost of ₹11,000 crore, initiated new coal mining operations at the Naini mine in Odisha, and is planning a 1,600 MW thermal power plant nearby at an estimated cost of ₹25,000 crore. The state government has also approved SCCL’s participation in upcoming central coal mine auctions. In this scenario, the appointment of a regular, experienced CMD is seen as a key step to guide the company through both operational and financial challenges.