SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Jan 7: Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje on Wednesday said that the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) has a major responsibility in implementing the Four Labour Codes to ensure the welfare and safety of mine workers.
She was addressing the 125th Foundation Day celebration of the DGMS headquarters as the chief guest.
DGMS Central to Mine Safety
The minister said mining activities are being carried out across the country for development, making worker safety a top priority.
“DGMS was set up during the British era in 1902 for the safety of workers. The government has enacted the Four Labour Codes in the interest of mine workers. Since the Prime Minister is serious about mine safety, a separate labour code has been framed, and DGMS has a major role in its implementation,” Karandlaje said.
‘First Safety’ Is Government’s Priority
She said worker safety remains the ministry’s foremost concern, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘First Safety’.
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Highlighting the role of DGMS, the minister stressed the need for uniform safety standards across all mining operations. She also called for stronger coordination between the Centre and states and more active involvement of DGMS regional offices to effectively enforce safety norms.
Four Labour Codes for Social Security
Karandlaje said the Four Labour Codes, which replaced 29 existing labour laws, aim to support the vision of a Viksit Bharat and ensure social security, including for contractual workers.
She urged DGMS to spread awareness about the Labour Codes and adopt modern technology to enhance mine safety, assuring full support from the Ministry to strengthen DGMS for safer and sustainable mining.
Opposition to Labour Codes Is Political: Minister
Referring to protests, the minister said opposition to the Four Labour Codes is politically motivated.
She alleged that opposition trade unions protest every welfare initiative of the government. “The Four Labour Codes are in the interest of workers across all sectors, including gig workers, and will ensure social security, job security, pension and other benefits,” she said.
Officials and Stakeholders Present
Ujjwal Tah, Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment, Deepika Kachhal, other ministry officials, representatives of the mining industry, and stakeholders from across the sector were present at the event.
