Question : CO-ORDINATION BETWEEN DGMS AND CIL

(a) whether there is no co-cordination between the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) and Coal India Ltd.;

(b) if so, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the DGMS recommended closing of some units of BCCL and CIL because of safety reasons in 1999 but they were not closed;

(d) if so, the reasons therefor;

(e) whether the Australian Government has recommended some safety measures for coal mines especially in regard to Singareni colleries of Andhra Pradesh;

(f) if so, the details thereof; and

(g) the steps taken or being taken by the Government on the recommendations of the Australian Government?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COAL & MINES AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF LAW & JUSTICE SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD


(a): There is regular co-ordination between Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) and Coal India Limited (CIL). DGMS officials inspect mines from time to time and point out deficiencies which are acted upon and conveyed to DGMS officials. Also, DGMS permission has to be obtained before commencing extraction of coal and for undertaking mining operations under specified conditions. There is regular interaction between DGMS and officers of the subsidiary companies of CIL. Additionally managers and agents regularly consult DGMS on any other safety related matter as and when they feel necessary. Co- ordination between DGMS and CIL is maintained through area level bipartite/tripartite meetings, subsidiary company level tripartite meetings, the CIL safety board and the Standing Committee on Safety in Coal Mines .


(b): Does not arise in view of reply given to part (a) above.


(c): DGMS did not recommend closure of any mine of CIL in 1999.


(d): Does not arise in view of reply give to part (c) above.


(e): No recommendations are made by Australian Government on safety measures for Singareni coal mines of Andhra Pradesh.


(f) &(g) : Does not arise in view of reply give to part (e) above.