Question : SECURITY OF COAL MINES

(a) whether the coal companies have spent the funds allocated by the Government for security of the coal mines;

(b) if so, whether the funds allocated for the years 2004-05 and 2005-06 have already been spent for the said purpose;

(c) if not, the reasons therefor;

(d) the total funds as on date that have not been spent;

(e) the details thereof, year-wise;

(f) whether the coal mine management provides adequate security/safety to the labourers working in the mines; and

(g) if so, the details in this regard?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COAL (DR. DASARI NARAYANA RAO)

(a) No such funds are received by Coal India Limited (CIL) from the Government for security of the coal mines.

(b to e) Do not arise in view of reply to (a) above.

(f) Yes, Sir.

(g) The Mines Act, 1952 and the Rules and Regulations framed thereunder prescribe safe work procedures in the mines. The Mine management is required to comply with these provisions while working in the mine.

Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) under Ministry of Labour and Employment carry out regular inspections of the mines. On detection of any possibility of danger in mines, DGMS issues improvement notice and also issues prohibitory order under the Mines Act, 1952. It is imperative on the part of mine management to rectify the violations, if any, pointed out during the inspection by DGMS officers.

CIL has established a structured multi-disciplinary Internal Safety Organization (ISO) to assist the line management at various levels in matters related to Safety.