WCL revises uniform policy: Rs 12,500 advance, two months to submit GST bills

Nagpur resident Rajeev Ranjan Kushwaha filed an RTI application on September 3, 2026 (letter number WCL/JA/SUKAA/2026/6719). In reply, the Nagpur headquarters of Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) provided several key details. WCL's industrial relations department supplied the noting sheet and documents.

A WCL senior manager (HR/IR/SE) issued the noting on September 16, 2026 (number WCL/IR/2026/346). According to it, the application sought information on five points. The information was placed before the deputy general manager (HR/IR) and sent to the public information officer, who received it on September 17, 2026.

The first point sought the SOP/GR on uniforms. WCL attached a copy of the revised order of Coal India Limited (CIL). The second point sought the order banning smoking, liquor or intoxicants, gutkha and pan masala in offices and mine premises. WCL said the SOP/GR for this is in its certified Standing Order, which is available on the WCL website. On the third point, punishment for violations, it said the provision for action is in the same Standing Order.

The fourth point asked about the formation of any inspection team or committee. WCL management wrote clearly: "At present, no inspection team/committee/flying squad has been appointed by management at WCL headquarters, Nagpur." The fifth point sought a year-wise account of inquiry and punitive action. The reply said that, as per point 4, no committee has been formed at all, so the question of such details does not arise.

A CIL office memorandum is also attached to the RTI reply (reference: CIL/C-5B/JBCCI-XI/Uniform Dress-Code/20, dated 28.04.2026). According to it, the amendment was approved at the 490th meeting of the Board of Directors. It changes the earlier order of June 6, 2025.

Under Clause 4(a), employees will now get an advance of Rs 12,500 every year for three or more sets of uniform. The change in Clause 4(c) is that bills earlier had to be submitted within one month; now GST bills must be submitted within two months. Failing this, the advance amount will be deducted from salary. Employees about to retire must submit the bill within two months of the advance or before their final salary, whichever is earlier. Clause 5(a) says the uniform details are in Annexure-A (Revised).

As per Annexure-A (Revised), male employees are to have 3 grey formal shirts and 3 black formal trousers. Female employees have three options. The first is a grey or maroon formal shirt with black trousers. The second is a grey or maroon kurta or kameez with a black salwar and dupatta. The third is a grey or maroon saree with a black blouse. Women can choose any of these options or a mix of them, but at least 3 sets are required.

Colour codes are also specified: PMS 444 for grey, PMS 209 for maroon (for women only) and PMS 426 for black trousers. PMS stands for Pantone Matching System. The order was issued through eOffice by the Sr. Manager (HR), IR/SE, at WCL headquarters, Civil Lines, Nagpur.