The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) has recommended N. Franklin Jayakumar, currently serving as Director (Technical Operations) at South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), for the post of Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) of Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL). The recommendation was made after the board conducted interviews with shortlisted candidates for the top leadership position.
The appointment will become effective after receiving approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), following which Jayakumar will formally assume charge.
PESB Recommends Experienced Mining Professional
N. Franklin Jayakumar has been associated with SECL since February 2024, initially serving as Director (Technical) and Project & Planning. He took over as Director (Technical Operations) on January 1, 2025, where he has been overseeing key mining operations and production activities.
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His recommendation reflects PESB’s confidence in his extensive experience in the mining and energy sector.
Over Three Decades of Industry Experience
Jayakumar brings more than 30 years of experience in coal and lignite mining across India and overseas.
Before joining SECL, he served as Executive Director (Coal Coordination) and Project Head of the Talabira II and III Opencast Project at NLC India Limited. During his tenure, he handled major mining projects and played an important role in coal production and operational planning.
Earlier in his career, he spent nearly 18 years with The Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), where he worked across mechanised underground and opencast mining operations. He also led a five-million-tonne-per-annum coal mining project in Indonesia, gaining valuable international experience.
Strong Academic and Professional Credentials
A graduate in Mining Engineering from the College of Engineering, Guindy (Anna University, Chennai), Jayakumar also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Engineering and Management and an MBA in Human Resource Management.
He possesses a First Class Mine Manager’s Certificate of Competency issued by the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) and is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers (India).
Apart from his operational roles, he has served on the Board of the Skill Council for Mining Sector and contributed to the Ministry of Coal’s Crisis Management Plan, reflecting his involvement in policy and industry development.
CMD Position Vacant Since December 2025
The post of CMD at Northern Coalfields Limited has remained vacant since December 16, 2025, when B. Sairam was appointed as Chairman of Coal India Limited (CIL).
Since then, Sairam has been holding the additional charge of NCL under an interim arrangement approved by the Ministry of Coal. Jayakumar’s appointment is expected to provide regular leadership to the company after completion of the approval process.
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Leadership for One of Coal India’s Key Subsidiaries
Northern Coalfields Limited is one of the largest and most profitable subsidiaries of Coal India Limited. Operating large opencast mines in the Singrauli coalfields across Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, the company plays a crucial role in supplying coal to thermal power plants across the country.
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With Jayakumar’s extensive experience in mining operations, project management, and technical leadership, NCL is expected to further strengthen its operational efficiency and support India’s growing energy requirements.