The Shaurya Quality Circle Team from SAIL-Bhilai Steel Plant clinched a prestigious Gold Award at the International Quality Convention held in Sri Lanka. The competition saw participation from 55 countries across Southeast Asia, with several leading companies from India showcasing their innovative solutions. Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), one of India’s foremost steel producers, was represented by six teams, including the Shaurya Quality Circle team from the Coke Oven and Coal Chemicals Department of SAIL-Bhilai Steel Plant. The BSP-team was mentored by Tularam Behera, CGM (CO&CCD) with key contributors including Coordinator P. Shashikant, Project Approver Tushar Mukherjee, Facilitator Chetan Ashok Futane, and team members Shiv Shankar Tiwari, Anuj Mishra, Santosh Munda, Rahul Ranjan, and Vinay Pandey.

 

A key highlight of the team’s achievement was their innovative water conservation solution. In the Coke Oven’s pushing process, hot spills from the Coke channel conveyor were extinguished using a water pipeline. This continuous flow of water previously consumed a staggering 46,000 litres per day. However, through the team’s innovative solution, this consumption was reduced to just 6,000 litres per day. The team emphasized the importance of water with the motto “Jal Hai To Kal Hai - Water is the future” and highlighted that the 40,000 litres saved daily could supply water to 50 families. Additionally, this innovation has not only contributed to significant water conservation but also enhanced safety at the workplace, eliminated waterlogging issues, and reduced the workload of employees.

 

The Business Excellence Department at Bhilai Steel Plant played a crucial role in nurturing such innovative initiatives. Every year, the department organizes plant-level competitions in various categories such as Quality Circles, 5S, and Lean Quality Circles. The winning teams are then sent to regional chapters, with the top performers advancing to national competitions organised by the Quality Circle Forum of India (QCFI). Last year, the Shaurya team won first prize at this competition in Nagpur, which paved the way for their participation in international competition in Sri Lanka. Upon returning from Sri Lanka, the team handed over their award to Pawan Kumar, ED (HR) in presence of Nisha Soni, CGM (HR-L&D/BE), Tularam Behera, CGM (CO&CCD), and other Senior Officials from the Business Excellence Department. Pawan Kumar congratulated the team on their innovative thinking and the recognition they received at the international level. The team expressed their gratitude towards the Senior Management for providing them with the opportunity and shared how the experience boosted their leadership skills and confidence. The team expressed gratitude towards the General Manager of the Business Excellence Department, Manoj Dubey, for his invaluable guidance and support throughout the process.