MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI BANDARU DATTATREYA)
(a) & (b): Yes, madam. Under Constitution of India, safety, welfare and health of workers employed in mines are the concern of the Central Government (Entry 55-Union List-Article 246). The objective is regulated by the Mines Act, 1952 and the Rules and Regulations framed there under. These are administered by the Directorate- General of Mines Safety (DGMS), under the Union Ministry of Labour& Employment. Apart from administering the Mines Act and the subordinate legislation framed there under, DGMS also administers some other allied legislation, including the Indian Electricity Act.
Adequate provisions for safety and health of persons employed in mines are made in the Mines Act, 1952 and Rules, Regulation made thereunder. The Mine management is required to comply within such provisions in their mines. To see that the mine management carries out the mining operations in accordance with the legal provisions to ensure safety of mine workers. Officers of DGMS make periodic inspections of all types of mines, irrespective of ownership types of the mines. The compliances of such provisions are checked during the course of inspections and enquiries by officers of DGMS and suitable measures such as violation letters, issue of notices, prohibitory orders are issued to ensure compliance. DGMS after proper enquiry also launches prosecutions against the mine management who violate the provisions of Rules, Regulations framed under the Mines Act, 1952. Number of violations issued by DGMS during last three calendar years and current year is given below:
Number of violations issued by DGMS during 2012-2015 Year 2012 2013 2014 2015 No. of violations 29299 36776 39598 12743 issued As on 31.03.2015
(c): During inspection of mines, if inspecting officer observed any violation of legal provisions under Mines Act, 1952; the inspecting officer issues violation letter to the mine management indicating the contraventions of Rules and Regulations and give the mine management a stipulated time for rectification. In case the workings or the environment in the mine are found to be unsafe and dangerous, notices or prohibitory orders are immediately issued to the management to take necessary steps for improvement. Unless the conditions are improved for re-deployment of persons as observed through inspections, the orders are not vacated and persons are not allowed to be redeployed in such dangerous conditions.
(d)& (e): No corrupt practices are adopted for issuance of violation letters by DGMS.
