New Labour Codes Enhance Rights and Safety for Mine Workers in India

Empowering Mine Workers Through New Regulations

New Delhi, Dec 6: The government has announced that the newly implemented Labour Codes are designed to provide a comprehensive framework that enhances the rights of mine workers, ensuring improved working hours and health and safety standards.

The mining industry is crucial for the nation’s economic growth, contributing essential raw materials, job opportunities, export enhancement, and government revenue.

Historically, the country has emphasized robust protections for the health, safety, and welfare of mine workers. The recent Labour Codes, especially the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH&WC) Code, 2020, along with the Social Security (SS) Code, 2020, aim to consolidate and enhance previous regulations.

According to an official statement, "These Codes establish uniform standards nationwide, simplify compliance, broaden social security coverage, enhance worker protections, and offer greater flexibility in working conditions."

"The introduction of these transformative reforms aims to empower mine workers while simultaneously facilitating a more business-friendly environment in the mining sector. They standardize statutory norms related to occupational safety, health, and working conditions for mine workers. By tackling long-standing challenges, these codes enhance workers' rights and safety while easing regulatory burdens for employers," the statement further elaborated.

With the implementation of the new labour laws, working conditions are set to improve through flexible schedules, regulated hours, guaranteed rest periods, and equitable compensation.

Health, safety, and welfare measures are bolstered with annual health assessments, recognized occupational diseases, and upgraded facilities.

Social security is broadened with increased coverage, portable benefits, and enhanced long-term protection for workers and their families.

Unified registration, streamlined inspections, and digital processes are expected to facilitate business operations.

These reforms are paving the way for sustainable growth in the mining sector in India.

"The new Labour Codes have established a comprehensive framework that empowers mine workers through improved working hours, health and safety standards, social security, and gender-inclusive practices, while also offering employers the flexibility and clarity necessary to uphold these standards," the statement concluded.