Exemption of Coal Block allotted to Vedanta Limited namely Jamkhani Coal Mines, Bileimunda, District Sundargarh Odisha

## Report on Exemption Regarding Contract Labour at Jamkhani Coal Mines, Odisha **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, exempting the Coal Block allotted to Ms. Vedanta Limited, specifically Jamkhani Coal Mines in Odisha, from certain provisions related to contract labour regulations. The exemption, granted under the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970, pertains to the employment of contract labour in specified works for a period of three years. The report highlights the conditions attached to this exemption, focusing on the protection of workers' interests, wage standards, and oversight mechanisms. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide an informative overview of a notification published by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, based solely on the provided policy text. The notification concerns an exemption related to the regulation of contract labour at the Jamkhani Coal Mines in Odisha. **3. Policy Overview:** * This document is an amendment/exemption to a previous policy related to contract labour as outlined in notification number S.O. 2063 dated the 21st June, 1988. * **Core Objective:** The core objective, as inferred from the text, is to grant a conditional exemption to Ms. Vedanta Limited from certain contract labour regulations for the Jamkhani Coal Mines, subject to specific conditions that aim to protect the rights and interests of the contract workers. **4. Background and Rationale:** The provided text suggests that this specific exemption is likely in response to a request from Ms. Vedanta Limited to operate the Jamkhani Coal Mines with certain flexibilities regarding contract labour regulations. The rationale for granting the exemption appears to be contingent on ensuring the well-being and fair treatment of the contract labourers employed at the mine, as evidenced by the inclusion of specific conditions related to wages, benefits, and job security. Without this specific exemption, the implication is that the operation of the mine may have been unduly burdened by existing contract labour regulations. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This notification is an *exemption* to S.O. 2063 dated the 21st June, 1988. The specific changes introduced are as follows: * **What Specific Part is Being Changed:** Ms. Vedanta Limited’s Jamkhani Coal Mines is being exempted from number 1 to 3 of the Schedule to S.O. 2063. This implies that Ms. Vedanta Limited previously had to comply with the rules/restrictions set forth in serial numbers 1 to 3 of the Schedule in notification S.O. 2063. * **New Rule/Provision:** The new rule is that Ms. Vedanta Limited is *not* required to adhere to number 1 to 3 of the Schedule to the said notification S.O. 2063, for a period of three years. This exemption is *conditional*. * **Difference/Effect of the Change:** The exemption releases Ms. Vedanta Limited from previously required adherence to number 1 to 3 of the Schedule to notification S.O. 2063, allowing them potentially more flexibility in managing contract labour. However, this is directly tied to specific conditions: * Protection of the interests of the workmen. * Adherence to wage and benefit recommendations of the High-Powered Committee appointed by Coal India Limited. * The Central Advisory Contract Labour Board retains the right to inspect the establishment. * Preference in employment for existing contract workmen when there is a change of contractor. * Workmen in ancillary or incidental jobs must receive wages as determined by the High-Powered Committee. * Contractors and Principal Employers must ensure payment of High-Powered Committee wages, increases every six months, and other benefits under the Mines Act, 1952. * Contract workers must be covered under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972. * Contract workers must be paid bonus and leave with wages as per the Mines Act, 1952. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the direct target audience and stakeholders are: * Ms. Vedanta Limited (Jamkhani Coal Mines). * Contract labourers employed at the Jamkhani Coal Mines. * Contractors providing labour services to the Jamkhani Coal Mines. * The Central Advisory Contract Labour Board. * Coal India Limited, and the High-Powered Committee appointed by them. * Ministry of Coal, Government of India. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Central Government (Ministry of Labour and Employment) is the issuing authority. The Central Advisory Contract Labour Board is responsible for oversight and inspection. Coal India Limited and its High-Powered Committee are responsible for determining wage rates and benefits. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The exemption is valid for three years from the date of publication of the notification (April 29, 2025). Implementation requires Ms. Vedanta Limited and its contractors to adhere to the stated conditions regarding wages, benefits, and employment practices. Inspection by the Central Advisory Contract Labour Board is implied as an ongoing process. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of this exemption, as inferred from the text, is to allow Ms. Vedanta Limited to operate the Jamkhani Coal Mines with greater flexibility in managing contract labour, while simultaneously ensuring the protection of the rights and interests of the contract workers. The specific conditions attached to the exemption aim to maintain fair labour practices, prevent exploitation, and provide a degree of job security for existing workers. The implementation and continued oversight by the Central Advisory Contract Labour Board, and compliance with the standards set by Coal India Limited and the High-Powered Committee are crucial to achieve the intended outcomes. The impact on contract workers will depend on how diligently these conditions are enforced and whether they genuinely translate into improved working conditions and benefits. **9. Conclusion:** The notification represents a conditional exemption from certain contract labour regulations for Ms. Vedanta Limited’s Jamkhani Coal Mines. Its significance lies in its attempt to balance operational flexibility for the company with the need to protect the rights and well-being of contract labourers. The effectiveness of this exemption will depend on the rigorous implementation of its conditions and the ongoing oversight by the responsible agencies.

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