Union Minister for Labour and Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, delivered a strong message on Wednesday, placing human safety above all else in the mining sector. Addressing the 125th foundation day celebrations of the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) in Dhanbad, she asserted that technology-driven mining is crucial for achieving the goal of zero harm.
New Labour Codes and Tech Push for Safer Mines
The minister detailed the government's focus through the new labour codes, which give special emphasis to mining safety, workers' health, timely wage payments, and overall social security. She reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring all mining operations strictly adhere to safety norms.
Karandlaje stressed the need for continuous technological upgrades to strengthen safety standards. "Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), drones, and robotics are being introduced in the mining sector," she said. "This will further enhance safe mining practices and help reduce accidents." She also highlighted efforts to encourage more women to join the mining sector under safer and more inclusive working conditions.
Holistic Welfare and Social Security for Workers
Reiterating the Centre's commitment to worker welfare, the minister outlined sustained efforts in several key areas:
- Ensuring better healthcare facilities for workers.
- Providing education for workers' children.
- Guaranteeing timely payment of wages and pensions.
- Extending social security benefits.
She added that a special focus is being laid on safeguarding the interests of workers from the unorganised sector, ensuring they are not left behind.
On Gold Prices and Reducing Import Dependence
Responding to a query on rising gold prices, Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje pointed to India's significant dependence on imports to meet domestic demand as a key factor impacting costs. She stated that efforts would be made to explore and identify domestic gold reserves to reduce this import reliance in the long term, a move that could stabilise prices and bolster the economy.
The DGMS, during the event, reaffirmed its core mission of achieving 'Zero Harm, Zero Accident', reflecting a collective resolve to transform India's mining sector into a safer and more sustainable industry. The minister's address in Dhanbad underscores a pivotal shift towards prioritising human life and leveraging innovation for safer extraction practices.
