Udaipur: The Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), North Western Zone, Udaipur, in collaboration with the Udaipur Chamber of Commerce and Industries (UCCI), organized a national workshop on the theme “Occupational Health Services in Mines – Current Scenario, Challenges, and Way Forward.”
The event, hosted at the UCCI auditorium, saw the presence of distinguished guests, including Chief Guest Shri Ujjwal Taha, Director General, DGMS, and Guest of Honor Shri Bhagwati Prasad, IAS, Director of the Department of Mines and Geology (DMG), Rajasthan. Other notable attendees included Shri R.T. Mandekar, Deputy Director General of Mines Safety, North Western Zone; Shri Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc Limited; and Shri Mangilal Lunawat, President of UCCI.
Key Highlights of the Workshop
The workshop brought together key stakeholders, including officials from DGMS, trade union representatives, occupational health professionals, scientists, representatives from the Ministry of Labour and Employment, and executives from leading mining companies across the country. Esteemed speakers, including experts from IIT Kharagpur, ESIC Medical College, NIOH, and Hindustan Zinc Limited, delivered insightful addresses on occupational health and safety in the mining sector.
During the inaugural session, Shri Ujjwal Taha emphasized the need for a cohesive strategy to address occupational diseases among workers in unorganized mining sectors. He called for collaborative efforts between institutions such as the Directorate General of Factory Advice Service and Labour Institutes (DGFASLI), ESIC, state DMG offices, and trade unions to formulate effective policies for rehabilitation and compensation of affected workers.
Guest of Honor Shri Bhagwati Prasad underlined the pivotal role of the mining sector in supporting the nation’s infrastructure, energy, and industrial growth. He highlighted Rajasthan’s rich mineral resources and their significant contribution to India’s development. However, he stressed the importance of prioritizing occupational health and safety in the mining industry to ensure the well-being of workers.
Expert Contributions
Speakers such as Dr. P.K. Sisodia, expert consultant to the Rajasthan government, and Dr. R.R. Tiwari, Director of NIREH, shared insights into improving occupational health services. Industry leaders from organizations such as Hindustan Zinc, JK Lakshmi Cement, and WCL provided case studies on operational best practices.
Collaborative Action Plan
The workshop culminated with a consensus to draft a comprehensive action plan aimed at improving occupational health services for mining workers. Participants agreed to align this plan with national-level initiatives to ensure better health and safety standards in the mining sector.
Wide Participation
The event saw participation from over 190 senior officials and medical professionals from across India, representing mining companies, health institutions, and trade associations. The workshop, conducted by Dr. Kaushik Sarkar, Inspector of Mines (Occupational Health), DGMS, was hailed as a significant step toward enhancing occupational health services in the mining industry.
The initiative underscores the commitment of DGMS, DMG, and industry stakeholders to fostering sustainable and worker-centric practices in India’s mining sector.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
