Legal Updates
Centre’s gift of safety for mine workers
2 May 2011, Bangalore: Here is Union government’s reward for mine workers on the occasion of Labour Day. Union labour minister Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday said the Centre was bringing amendments to the Mines Act to ensure the safety and health of mine workers.
Speaking at the May day celebrations organized by KPCC here on Sunday, he said 32 amendments were being introduced to make mine owners accountable and ensure the safety of the workers.
The health and safety of the workers is governed by the Mines Rules, 1955, created under the jurisdiction of the Mines Act, 1952. The proposed amendments, which have already been introduced in the Rajya Sabha, is before the standing committee.
Once the amendments are passed in the Parliament, the owners of mines and officials concerned would be punished with a rigorous imprionsment of seven and a half years, if found guilty of violating the safety rules.
Meanwhile, Kharge took the state BJP government to task for failing to implement the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna (RSBY), a health insurance scheme for the poor introduced in January 2009.
Under the scheme, annually, the expenses of hospitalization and surgical procedures of beneficiary members for upto Rs 30, 000 per family per year, is covered. The Centre is planning to bring domestic workers under the scheme. The proposal is pending before the cabinet.
“The scheme (RSBY) has already been implemented in 24 states. I don’t know why it has not been implemented in Karnataka,” he said.
Source: The Times of India
Amended Mining Act will help 55 lakh mine workers: Kharge
Wed, 5 January 2011, Bangalore: Union Minister for Labour and employment Mallikarjuna Kharge today said amendments to Mining Act, which would benefit over 5.5 million mine labourers, would be tabled in Parliament during the Budget session.
Speaking to reporters here, he said as per the amendment the mine owner would be held directly responsible for any mishaps and stringent action will be initiated against those who indulge in any sort of illegal mining.
‘‘The mine lease holders have been getting away and the managers and supervisors of the mines were held responsible for illegal act and mishaps that affected the labourers. But now the mine owner will be held responsible for any such act. The quantum of imprisonment would also be substantially raised,’‘ the minister said.
Mr Kharge added the proposed amendment was also applicable to hazardous industry.
Source: UNI