Executive Summary:
This document presents the Indian government's response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2836 regarding the safety of miners. It provides state-wise data on mining incidents (fatalities and injuries) in coal and non-coal mines for the last ten years, as provided by the Ministry of Labour and Employment. It outlines the measures and guidelines in place to ensure the safety of miners and civilians, including inspections and safety audits conducted by the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS).
Key Points / Main Content:
Data on Mining Incidents:
* State-wise and year-wise data on fatalities and injuries in coal mines is detailed in Annexure I.
* State-wise and year-wise data on fatalities and injuries in non-coal mines is detailed in Annexure II.
Safety Measures and Guidelines:
* The Mines Act, 1952, administered by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, regulates labor and safety in mines.
* The Central Government enacted the Mines Act, 1952 to ensure occupational safety health of mines workers, including provisions for training, protective equipment, and medical examinations.
* DGMS is responsible for inspecting mines to ensure compliance with the Mines Act, 1952, and related regulations.
* DGMS conducts regular accident inquiries, mine inspections, develops standard protocols, and organizes safety conferences, weeks, and awareness campaigns.
Inspections and Compliance:
* DGMS conducts randomized inspections via the ShramSuvidha portal, prioritizing mines based on risk rating (except in emergencies).
* DGMS oversees compliance with statutory provisions based on mine inspections.
* Managements are addressed for non-compliance based on inspection observations and incident findings.
Impact Analysis:
Mine Workers:
* Impact: Mine workers are directly affected by safety regulations and measures aimed at reducing fatalities and injuries.
* Action Required: To adhere to safety protocols, participate in training programs, and use provided protective equipment.
Mine Management:
* Impact: Mine management is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Mines Act, 1952, and related regulations, including providing a safe working environment.
* Action Required: Address non-compliance issues identified during inspections and implement corrective measures to improve safety.
Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS):
* Impact: DGMS is responsible for enforcing safety regulations and conducting inspections to ensure the safety of mine workers.
* Action Required: To continue conducting regular inspections, accident inquiries, and awareness programs, and to oversee compliance with safety regulations.
Key Entities Referenced
SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI: Member of Lok Sabha who raised the unstarred question No. 2836 regarding the safety of miners.
SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY: Minister of Coal and Mines who answered the Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2836.
Mines Act, 1952: An act administered by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, providing for regulation of labour and safety in mines.
Ministry of Labour and Employment: The ministry providing the data on fatalities and injuries in coal and non-coal mines.
Directorate General of Mines Safety DGMS: The organization entrusted with the task of inspection of mines to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Mines Act, 1952.
Chhattisgarh: One of the states for which data on fatal and serious accidents in coal and non-coal mines is provided.
Jharkhand: One of the states for which data on fatal and serious accidents in coal and non-coal mines is provided.
Telangana: One of the states for which data on fatal and serious accidents in coal and non-coal mines is provided.