Lok Sabha Question No. 2121 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-01-01
Subject: Mine Accidents
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: LAKHAN LAL SAHU

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2121 TO BE ANSWERED ON 01.01.2018

## MINE ACCIDENTS

†2121. SHRI LAKHAN LAL SAHU:

Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:

- (a)the steps taken by the Government to ensure the safety of mine workers in view of recent mine accidents;
- (b)whether  the  Government  has  prepared  any  comprehensive  policy  to
- provide compensation to workers died in the said accidents;
- (c)if so, the details thereof; and
- (d)the amount allocated to ensure the safety of mines during the last three
- years and the current year?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

(a): Under  the  Constitution  of  India,  safety,  welfare  and  health  of workers employed in mines are the concern of the Central Government (Entry 55-Union List-Article 246). The objective is regulated by the Mines Act, 1952 and the Rules and Regulations framed thereunder. These are administered by the Directorate-General of Mines Safety (DGMS), under the Union Ministry of Labour & Employment.

The onus of providing for and ensuring safety in mines rests with the mine managements, as laid down under section 18 of the Mines Act, 1952 as 'The owner and agent of every mine shall each be responsible for making financial  and  other  provisions  and  for  taking  other  such  steps  as  may  be necessary  for  compliance  with  the  provisions  of  this  Act  and  regulations, rules, bye-laws and orders made thereunder.'

Following  steps  have  been  taken  to  ensure  the  safety  of  mine workers in view of recent mine accidents:

Contd..2/-

- (i) Regular  sample  inspections  are  done  by  the  officers  of  DGMS  and based on the observations during the inspections; following actions are  taken-  Pointing  out  contraventions,  withdrawal  of  permission, issue of improvement notice, prohibition of employment and prosecution in the court of law.
- (ii) Accidents are inquired  into  and  based  on  the  findings  of  accident enquiry by Officers of DGMS, following actions are taken - warning to delinquent, suspension of certificate, modification in the method of  working,  action  by  management  like  stoppage  of  increment, dismissal  from  service,  recorded  warning,  withholding  promotion and  prosecution in the court of law.
- (iii) Following  promotional  measures  are  also  taken  -  Conference  on safety  in  mines,  National  Safety  Awards  (Mines),  Observance  of Safety Week, and Safety Campaign.
- (iv) Standard Setting:
- (a) amendment of safety laws,
- (b) issue of guidelines for safer operations in identified thrust areas through   circulars and
- (c) issue of technical instructions to DGMS officers for their guidance.
- (b) & (c): The compensation is covered under the Employees' Compensation Act, 1923.  Compensation is given by the  respective mining companies or owners.
- (d): The Ministry  has a scheme namely 'Mine Accident Analysis and Modernization  of  Information  Database  (MAMID)'  wherein  DGMS  takes various steps to ensure safety of Mines such as analysis of accidents and dangerous occurrence using risk assessment and management techniques to mitigate  risk  of  disaster  and  accidents  in  the  Mines,  preparation  Risk Management  Plan  for  Mines  having  highest  risk  of  accidents/disasters, dissemination of mine information system and development and establishment Risk Observatory.

The  amount  allocated  during  last  three  years  and  the  current year for the said scheme is as below:

| Year         |   Amount (Rs. in Crore) |
|--------------|-------------------------|
| 2014-15      |                    5    |
| 2015-16      |                    5    |
| 2016-17      |                    6.39 |
| Current Year |                   10    |

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