Suparjya swain 
Bhubaneswar: Coal India Limited (CIL), the state-run coal mining giant, is set to introduce a uniform dress code for all its employees, including the Chairman, Directors, officers, and workmen, starting from the first week of July 2025. The move, aimed at promoting professionalism and strengthening the company’s corporate identity, comes as part of the celebrations marking 50 years since the company’s establishment.
According to sources, a committee was constituted to frame and implement the new dress code. The committee held its first meeting on March 2 in New Delhi, during which it finalised the colours, quality of fabric, and allowances associated with the new uniform policy. As per the proposal, male employees will wear navy blue trousers and sky blue shirts, while female employees will be dressed in maroon sarees or kurtas, along with black blouses or black salwars and dupattas.
To ensure standardisation and quality, the committee has shortlisted a range of well-known brands from which employees must purchase their uniforms. These include Raymond, Ramraj Cotton, Arvind Limited, Louis Philippe, Vardhman, Blackberrys, Trident India, and a few others. Employees will receive an annual allowance of ₹10,500 to buy their uniforms. They will be required to present purchase invoices for reimbursement. Additionally, a monthly washing allowance of ₹185 will be provided for laundry services.
The next meeting of the committee is scheduled to take place on April 7 in Kolkata. During this meeting, the draft policy for implementing the dress code will be finalised and subsequently forwarded to the Board of Directors of Coal India for approval. Once cleared by the Board, the dress code will be officially rolled out in July.
A senior official familiar with the development said that the initiative is a part of the company’s broader effort to build a cohesive and professional work environment. “The company has completed 50 years of its foundation. And it is keen to enhance the brand image of the company and to bring in a corporate culture that exhibits professionalism,” the official said.
Coal India Limited, one of India’s largest public sector undertakings, currently employs around 2.28 lakh people as of March 31, 2024. The introduction of a dress code is being seen as a symbolic step towards fostering a stronger sense of identity, discipline, and corporate ethos among its massive workforce.
