Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Mines Meets

The meeting of Consultative Committee attached to the Ministry of Mines held yesterday late evening under the Chairmanship of Shri Dinsha J. Patel, Minister of State (Independent Charge) to review and discuss the functioning of National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM), National Institute of Miners Health (NIMH) and Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminum Research Development and Design Center(JNARDDC).

Presiding over the meeting Shri Patel observed that research and development is the backbone of industrial development and detailed scientific research helps in achieving improved production, productivity along with quality enhanced safety and economy.

Shri Dinsha Patel has underlined that NIRM, development of rock engineering and its multi-disciplinary research provide enabling technology to mining, civil engineering sectors and construction industries. Shri Patel informed the members that National Institute of Miners Health (NIMH) has carried out projects related to monitoring studies of respirable dust survey, vibration study, and health status of mine workers and nearby population around iron ore mines. He said NIMH is also developing expertise in health impact assessment and sustainable development related to mining projects.

Detailing the working of Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminum Research Development and Design Center(JNARDDC) the minister stated that JNARDDC has been nominated as the aluminum sector expert under the ”National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency ” by Bureau of Energy Efficiecy(BEE),Ministry of Power. He further stated that JNARDDC is playing important role in formulating the Aluminum Mission Plan 2010-20 for the Indian Aluminum Industry

The Members expressed their concern about the health condition of miners working in the mines and those who were living in the surrounding area of the mines. They suggested that doctors should be properly trained to diagnose the diseases of Miners which arise while working in the mines.

A presentation was also made about the working and functioning of NIRM, NIMH and JNARDDC through which the members were informed.

The Members of the Parliament present in the meeting included Shri Amarnath Pradhan(Lok Sabha),Shri Ramen Deka(Lok Sabha), Shri Sohan Potai( Lok Sabha)and S.K.Bwiswmuthiary (Lok Sabha).

Shri Vishwapati Trivedi, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, along with senior officers of the Ministry and National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM), National Institute of Miners Health (NIMH) and Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminum Research Development and Design Center (JNARDDC) also attended the meeting.

SKS