Labour Codes to boost social security for mine workers: Minister
New Delhi, Jan 7
The four new Labour Codes are aimed at building 'Viksit Bharat' and ensuring social security for mine workers, including for contractual workers, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, said on Wednesday.
She urged the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) to promote awareness of the Codes and leverage modern technologies to enhance mine safety, assuring full support from the Ministry to strengthen DGMS for safer and more sustainable mining.
Speaking at the 125th Foundation Day of the DGMS in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, she said that the 125-year journey of DGMS reflects the dedicated efforts and sacrifices of generations of officials and mine workers.
Karandlaje emphasised that mining activities today are directly linked to India's growth story.
She also paid tribute to mine workers whose courage and dedication, often involving grave risks to life, make mining possible and support nation-building.
The minister reiterated that workers' safety is the Ministry's foremost priority, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "First Safety."
She highlighted the role of DGMS in ensuring uniform safety standards across all mining operations and stressed the need for coordinated Central-State efforts and stronger engagement of DGMS regional offices to effectively enforce safety norms.
DGMS, established in 1902, continues to play a vital role in regulating mines safety and health standards in India, contributing significantly to the well-being of mine workers and the sustainable growth of the mining industry.
Karandlaje also visited the Exhibition, Old Records Section and Models Gallery, showcasing the rich legacy and evolution of mines safety practices in India.
On the occasion, the minister released the new DGMS Logo which replaces the old one. She also released the DGMS theme song, and a digital coffee table book capturing the organisation's journey and contributions. A souvenir/digital compendium of best practices in mines safety was also released.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good to see focus on modern tech for safety. But awareness is key. Many workers in remote mining areas are not literate. DGMS needs to run awareness camps in local languages, not just digital campaigns. The intent is right, execution will be the challenge.
Finally! Contractual workers have been the most vulnerable. "Viksit Bharat" must include the safety and dignity of those who literally dig the foundation for our growth. Hope the state governments cooperate fully with the central norms.
Releasing logos and theme songs is fine, but what matters is on-ground inspection and strict penalties for violations. Our miners risk their lives daily. The DGMS regional offices need more power and manpower. Action over symbolism, please.
Mining is crucial for our energy and infrastructure goals. Ensuring worker safety isn't just a legal requirement, it's a moral duty. The 'First Safety' vision is commendable. Let's hope it translates to fewer accidents and better lives for our mine workers.
125 years is a long legacy. Modernizing with tech for inspections (drones, sensors) can be a game-changer. But alongside new codes, we need to ensure timely compensation and medical aid for injured workers. The system must be swift and compassionate.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.