(a) whether the workers engaged in various mines and mining industry in the country particularly in Orissa are deprived of the basic amenities; and
(b) if so, the steps taken/proposed to be taken to ensure proper housing, health care potable drinking water supply and other basic amenities to those workers?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT (SHRI CHANDRA SEKHAR SAHU)
(a) & (b): The Ministry of Labour and Employment has been implementing welfare schemes for the mine workers and their family members through out the country including Orissa in the sphere of Health, Education, Housing, Recreation and Water Supply under the Iron Ore Mines, Manganese Ore Mines and Chrome Ore Mines Labour Welfare Fund, Limestone & Dolomite Mines Labour Welfare Fund and Mica Mines Labour Welfare Fund. Mine workers whose monthly wages do not exceed Rs. 10,000/- per month are eligible to avail benefits under these schemes. In Joda, Orissa there is a 50 bed hospital to cater to the basic health care of eligible mine workers and their families. In addition certain Static cum Mobile Dispensaries are also being run by the Labour Welfare Organization in Orissa for mine workers. For specialized treatment like, heart, kidney, cancer diseases, patients are referred to recognized speciality hospitals and the cost of treatment is reimbursed upto certain limit. The total number of beneficiaries and expenditure incurred during last three years under Health, Education & Housing for mine workers under above Welfare Funds are as follows:-
(Expenditure figures are Rs. in lakh) 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06
HEALTH Expenditure 190.03 N.A. 212.30 Beneficiaries 168730 217.58 157818 EDUCATION Expenditure 95.71 N.A. 98.07 Beneficiaries 8629 102.63 8748 HOUSING Expenditure 56.08 N.A. 35.10 Beneficiaries 237 41.12 N.A.